War of the Wedges: Derek Lam vs. Ivanka Trump

Derek Lam (Left), Ivanka Trump (Right)

As the saying goes, fashion is “often imitated but never duplicated.” Unfortunately, that isn’t the case this time around, since there are seemingly identical pairs of wedges currently on the market. There is a brewing legal battle as Derek Lam recently took action against Ivanka Trump by accusing her of knocking off his footwear. 

An employee of Lam’s was browsing Bloomingdales’s site when they recognized Trump’s Cadie wedge sandals ($150) as a replica of Lam’s Ayami wedges ($780). Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, CEO of Derek Lam, stated “We have seen very similar copies before, but we have never seen a shoe that perfectly copied.” Now Lam’s legal team is demanding Trump pull the shoes off shelves.

We look forward to hearing Trump's defense as these are pretty harsh allegations against the sartorial credibility of her brand. But scandal aside, we want to know – who do you think produced a better wedge? 

Text Jennifer Bernard
Image New York Magazine 
Source WWD

Short And Sweet: 10 Crosby Derek Lam

If there was one show this season to prove that quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality, it would be the Spring 2012 collection by 10 Crosby Derek Lam. With an astute awareness of the ephemeral nature of the spring season, Derek Lam focused the collection around key wearable and transitional pieces that were workplace ready. This practical approach brought together simple and bold graphic stripes, florals and bright colors. Key trend colors were present in the collection but in a seamless, well balanced way that only enhanced what was already being done with the designs. Contrasting stripes looked efficient and energetic and the materials were durable (some even machine washable) yet, appeared expensive. The overall look was refreshing – an appropriate attitude for a spring collection, which is part of what makes the pieces so wearable.


A stand out look was the ‘new suit’, which featured a swingy box cut burlap jacket and matching tailored short skirt. Perhaps the key to Derek Lam’s success was focusing on what he thought women would love to have in their wardrobe as opposed to a seasonal dogmatic criterion. Giving just as much as need be given, the collection has found the right balance between composed complexity and crisp and causal simplicity.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s) Derek Lam, WWD

One More Pair To Add To Your Fall Collection: Flatforms

Sky high platforms and wedges are easy to find these days. In fact, it’s nearly a requirement for a true fashionista to incorporate at least 2 – 3 pairs into the revolving staples of her uniform. So what happens if the practicalities of your daily life simply don’t allow for you to ascend to new heights? Or what if you are over 5 ‘10” and simply don’t feel like tossing on an extra 5 to 6 inches to tower above, well, basically everyone?

For the girls that who love the look of the towering platforms but have a fear of heights, there is a compromise that has been around for a while now, but is still certainly worth a mention. The leg lengthening ‘flatform’ gives you a few extra inches while keeping your toes on an even playing field with your heel. Basically, you get to wear platforms without throwing off your center of balance. With just an inch or two of heel at the most, it’s sort of like faking high heels – and let’s be honest now, what girl wouldn’t want a day off from arched soles here or there, if she could still achieve the same look?

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s): Derek Lam, Telegraph Co

Resort Fashion Week?

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that Resort Fashion Week in New York is more fashion and less resort. And by fashion, I mean fashion-fashion. Like outfits you'd wear to the club or a cocktail party--not by a pool or the beach.

Take Derek Lam, for instance. A bubble gum pink punk princess dress? At which resort, pray tell, would one were that? It's cute and all but unless you consider a Friday night at the Roosevelt Hotel a resort, then I don't think it will make it in your suitcase for your summer trip.

And Marc Jacobs was even less vacation inspired. A 40s housewife dress? A leopard print coat? A silk purple party frock? Unless your idea of a vacation is to be modestly dressed at rooftop pool parties in Williamsburg, I don't get much of a resort vibe either.

At least Diane Von Furstenburg got the memo--she managed to make her collection chic and vacay inspired without churning out just another ready-to-wear line.

So, word to the wise for designers who choose to show collections during Resort Fashion Week: Make sure you're actually designing for what and who you say you are designing for and not just trying to make an extra buck in between February and October. We're onto you.