Bob Mackie, the fashion designer and costumer who has outfitted celebrities like Cher, Carol Burnett, Elton John and Taylor Swift, has sued JCPenney for allegedly using his name, signature and likeness without permission to sell apparel.
In a complaint filed on Wednesday night in Manhattan federal court, the 85-year-old Mackie said he was astonished last month when JCPenney launched its âMackie: Bob Mackieâ collection though he had no involvement.
Mackie accused JCPenney of timing the launch to the release of Swiftâs newest album âThe Life of a Showgirl,â whose album artwork includes a costume he designed.
He said he would never have designed apparel for JCPenney because of âlegitimate concernsâ it would diminish his name and goodwill, and that the retailer ignored his cease-and-desist letter.
Catalyst Brands, which owns JCPenney, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.
Mackie said he believed JCPenney may have contracted with Bob Mackie Design Group, where he is a minority shareholder, but to preserve his legacy neither that entity nor its only other shareholder had authority to provide a license.
Bob Mackie Design Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. A spokeswoman for Mackie did not immediately respond to a similar request
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for false advertising, false association under the federal Lanham trademark law, violating Mackieâs right of publicity and deceiving consumers.
Mackieâs costumes have included Cherâs black âloin clothâ outfit at the 1986 Academy Awards, Burnettâs curtain rod dress in the âWent with the Windâ sketch on her TV variety show, and Johnâs Donald Duck and Mozart concert costumes.
By Jonathan Stempel; Editor: Mark Potter
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