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Jennifer Lopez wore a sheer Versace jungle dress with a plunging neckline to the 2000 Grammys. The dress has become an icon in American fashion. It became so famous that it spurred on the creation of Google Images. The actress and singer wore a reimagined version at the 2019 Versace fashion show.
Versace’s claims
In November 2019, Versace filed a lawsuit against online store Fashion Nova for copying the dress and other designs. Fashion Nova calls themselves “an ultra-fast fashion brand” and has been sued eight times by designers for infringement of copyrights and trademarks.
Versace is accusing Fashion Nova of creating “deliberate copies and imitation of most famous and recognizable designs, marks, symbols and other protected elements.” Along with the Jennifer Lopez jungle dress, they are accusing the brand of copying several other Versace designs including the signature black and gold “Barocco – 57” print and a heart-printed gown.
Fashion Nova’s response
The January 2020 response from Fashion Nova was not one of defeat in the face of a lawsuit from the fashion powerhouse. Instead, they denied the majority of claims and issued 32 defenses. They argue that many of the design elements copyrighted by Versace are unoriginal, even calling for invalidation of several. The company says that their “alleged actions were innocent and non-willful,” and that the alleged violation did not cause any harm to Versace.
The online store is currently also in the midst of a lawsuit against rapper 6ix9ine for failure to fulfill a promotion agreement and a lawsuit concerning poor working conditions and wages. Versace and Fashion Nova continue to battle over the copyright, trademark and trade dress infringement claims.
