It seems that the Kardashians are even less original than they appear. Accusations are flying back and forth that the Kardashian Kollection has a handbag which copied Botkier’s design. Kim Kardashian has insisted that their collection “was independently created” and that their designer Bruno Schiavi’s apparel company, Jupi, ‘is surprised about Botkier’s allegation.’
When the Kardashians put their new line of products on display for Sears this week, designer Monica Botkier noticed that one of their purses looked just like her 2005 “Clyde” bag.
Monica took to her blog on August 10, stating under “K is for Knock-off” that “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.”
Sears is taking no chances and has removed the bag from their website.
The Kartrashian sisters naturally deny any wrongdoing: “We are aware of claims being made by Monica Botkier in the media that one of the bags in the Kardashian Kollection for Sears is similar to a Botkier bag. It is our understanding that, contrary to media reports, Sears has not received any cease and desist letter on behalf of Botkier.”
And Sears says: “In any event, it is our understanding that the Kardashian Kollection bag in question has not yet been offered for general sale. Nor is it available for sale online. Pending our investigation of the matter, we have undertaken appropriate preventative measures regarding the handbag.”
