NYC December 28, 2011
Derek Lam has served a cease-and-desist letter to Mark Fisher Footwear, the licensing company in charge of Ivanka Trump‘s luxe-for-less shoe line concerning Trump’s Cadie sandal, a dead ringer to Lam’s Ayami wedge. “The Lam wedge sandals are of a popular design type that has been used by numerous manufacturers for many decades. There is nothing iconic about the appearance of the Lam sandal,” a Marc Fisher rep told WWD.
Earlier this week, Lam CEO Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann claimed the Ayami was “blatantly” ripped-off, but there is one key difference—the price, which could pose problems for Lam at the cash wrap. But beyond the price distinction, Mark Fisher Footwear is balking at the alleged copycatting. “The Ivanka Trump sandals prominently display the Ivanka Trump name, and there can be no confusion as to the source of the Ivanka Trump sandals,” a Mark Fisher rep stated.
“Therefore, Marc Fisher Footwear, the licensee of the Ivanka Trump brand, strongly denies Lam’s claims.”
