Alice + Olivia is suing Betsey Johnson through its parent company Steven Madden for copyright infringement for allegedly ripping off its “StaceFace,” an image inspired by Alice + Olivia founder Stacy Bendet depicting round sunglasses and red lips on handbags.
Bendet’s brand sent a cease-and-desist letter to Johnson in February, but alleges in a federal suit that the rival merely changed the sunglasses to heart shapes on its products.
Alice + Olivia is seeking an injunction and monetary relief.
A Johnson rep did not get back to us.