Thursday, October 8, 2009

Alexander McQueen sues Steve Madden



When I went to London, I discovered the Alexander McQueen Faithful bootie, an open-toed ankle boot inspired by the motorcycle jacket (see my personal photos above).

But with its $1,155 price tag, I knew that once I finished trying it on, it would be the last time I would ever be sporting it.

Then Steve Madden came out with its own version, called the Seryna bootie. Almost a direct knockoff of McQueen's design, the only difference was the zipper pull that contains the Alexander McQueen trademark skull. At a fraction of the price, it seemed like the perfect alternative.

Now, McQueen is suing Steve Madden Ltd., alleging that the Madden model is a "studied imitation" of the Faithful version.
Supposedly, McQueen's attorneys sent a "cease and desist" letter to the Madden company in September, which refused to comply.
The suit says McQueen’s shoe has earned distinction in part through “widespread media attention” and has been photographed on the feet of Lindsay Lohan, Mary-Kate Olsen and Rihanna.
So will this be the end of Madden's imitation? And if not, will he try to remake this McQueen shoe?
Check out the two models below. McQueen's is on the left, Madden's on the right.

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