The iconic Jennifer Lopez 2000 Grammy Awards green dress has found itself in the legal department, as Versace sues Fashion Nova for dress Knockoff in a new lawsuit.
The re-creation of the gown by Fashion Nova in multiple designs, is according to Versace, an infringement on copyright ownership and trademark, “Fashion Nova’s infringing Apparel is plainly a deliberate effort to exploit the popularity and renown of Versace’s signature designs, and to trade on Versace’s valuable goodwill and business reputation. Versace seeks to bring an end to Fashion Nova’s latest brazen attempt at copying the work of yet another famous and world-renowned designer,” wrote Versace in the complaint.
The suit mainly points out to three specific prints; its black and gold Barocco design, Pop Heart design and Jungle Print design that have all been copyrighted, manufactured and sold by Fashion Nova. The dress in particular is of great value to the Versace brand and as such classifies it under the ‘Versace Trade Dresses’ that signify an overall look and feel that are original and unique to Versace.
“Fashion Nova’s ability to churn out new clothing so quickly is due in large part to its willingness to copy the copyrighted designs, trademarks and trade dress elements of well-known designers such as Versace, and trade on their creative efforts in order to bolster Fashion Nova’s bottom line,” the lawsuit continued.
Versace now seeks an injunction, recall and payment including all profits realized by its wrongful acts and is also requesting a trial by Jury.
The JLO Versace dress caused the launch of Google images, back in 2000, after she wore it to the Grammy Awards. In September this year, ‘The I Ain’t Your Mama’ singer rocked a redesign of the outfit on the runway, closing out Versace’s spring-summer 2020 show in Milan. It became the favorite copy for Halloween ensembles this year, amongst the Marilyn Monroe ‘Gentlemen prefer Blondes’ pink costume.
