Allegations have recently surfaced that certain Kardashian handbags sold at Sears may have actually been copied versions of a Botkier design. The sisters Kim Kardashian, Khloe and Kourtney launched their Kardashian Kollection exclusive with Sears.
According to the Daily Mail, after being alerted to the similarities via a slew of fan emails, Botkier, who claims her bag has been in production since 2003, posted the following message on her blog;
“Ironically we just discovered below how our Botkier Clyde was simply copied by Kardashian Kollection for Sears. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but we don’t think so…”
Botkier continued to show how un-flattered she was by immediately sending a cease and desist order to Sears urging them to remove the Kardashian, leopard print version (which only sells for $94) of her Clyde design which retails for about $600.
Botkier also called attention to how the Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA, would have to deal with similar infringements in the future.
“This definitely hurts people in the industry and it makes it more difficult that you can’t protect it by law. The CFDA is working on trying to change these laws and make designs more protected.”
Although Sears Holding Corporation declined to comment, online sales of the Kardashian bag have been discontinued until further notice.
(Botkier)
(Kardashian Kollection)
Does Botkier have a case against the Kardashians?
