Daily Front Row

2011 December 23

Ivanka Trump's Camp Denies Derek Lam's Knockoff Claim

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Ivanka Trump
Patrick McMullan View Gallery

(NEW YORK) Mark Fisher Footwear, the licensing company in charge of Ivanka Trump's luxe-for-less shoe line, is not backing down after Derek Lam served them with a cease-and-desist letter Tuesday 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 said to WWD. "Therefore, Marc Fisher Footwear, the licensee of the Ivanka Trump brand, strongly denies Lam’s claims.”
MARIA DENARDO