YSL – Signature9

In the Case of the Red Soles, Louboutin Faces An Uphill Battle

YM Ousley — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:43 +0000

Though they gained a small victory when a Manhattan judge threw out evidence from Yves Saint Laurent‘s attorneys demonstrating a history of other companies using red soles, Christian Louboutin lost a far more important part of their lawsuit over YSL red-soled shoes.

Louboutin sought an injunction that would have stopped Yves Saint Laurent from selling their red-soled shoes, but Judge Victor Marrero wrote in his ruling: “Because in the fashion industry color serves ornamental and aesthetic functions vital to robust competition, the court finds that Louboutin is unlikely to be able to prove that its red outsole brand is entitled to trademark protection, even if it has gained enough public recognition in the market to have acquired secondary meaning.” {NY Daily News}

In other words, even though they filed for a trademark, Marrero’s opinion is that a color shouldn’t have been approved for a trademark in the first place and Yves Saint Laurent is free to continue selling their red-soled shoes while the larger case of trademark infringement is being decided.

Louboutin can always appeal the ruling, Â but the judge’s position doesn’t provide much optimism for an eventual ruling in favor of Christian Louboutin. In addition to being expensive and time consuming, once a certain number of judges agree that any rulings are legally sound, appeals can be rejected before they’re even started.

Looks like it may be safe to order those DIY red soles soon.

YSL’s Archive Provides Eco Inspiration

Martin Cho — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:49:47 +0000

A Facebook invite came chirping at our window this morning courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent. For a fraction of the label’s normal price, New Vintage II is an environmentally-conscious project conceived by creative director Stefano Pilati to reintroduce popular styles from previous seasons, using left-over fabrics from the YSL archives. The ultra-chic recycled goods are an attractive enough reason to open your wallet and invest in your own closet archive. If you live in New York City, swing by the boutique tomorrow to ogle or shop the collection.

Customize your YSL

KS Frazier — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:59:12 +0000

The YSLÂ Roady bag won’tÂ be the type of “It” bag that has everyone toting the same black satchel around for the season. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 1, customers in LA and NY will have access to in store artisans who will take orders with instructions for unique design details to create a unique, personal bag. With 29 handle choices and 4 different bag models there are lots of possibilities. As all luxury items go, the price isn’t what we’d call modest – base prices are $1,195 – $1,795 and additions will cost between $225-$515. The idea is great for those who want the season’s “It” bag with a bit of individuality. If enough people participate, perhaps we’ll see the concept in YSL stores worldwide.

Read the full story {StyleList}