Vans Sues Art Collective MSCHF For Lookalike ‘Wavy Baby’ Sneakers
MSCHF, the satirical fashion label behind the infamous ‘Satan Shoes’ and ‘OnlyBags’, has gotten itself into yet another pickle with a recent trademark infringement lawsuit.
According to Complex, Vans filed the claim against the brand last week, accusing the Brooklyn-based art collective of copying the iconic Vans Old Skool sneaker, which it has titled ‘Wavy Baby’ as part of a collaboration with rapper Tyga.
The suit said MSCHF’s latest shoe may confuse customers, unlawfully divert sales from Vans, and intentionally damage the shoe maker’s intellectual property rights.
While the ‘Wavy Baby’ sneaker looks distinctly, well, wavy from afar, it does bear certain similarities to the Old Skool up close, such as the red label at the back of the shoe, its black and white colorway, and even the way its logo is stamped onto the footbed.
Despite the legal ramifications, it seems MSCHF isn’t all too worried about Vans’ allegations. In a statement, the cult brand says the latter has “indicated they were willing to meet about future collaborations.”
“Vans is a hidebound institution hiding behind its past heritage as a ‘creative youth brand’. In 50 years of sneaker releases, never have any of their shoes gotten this much attention pre-release. The Wavy Baby is transformational and beyond anything Vans would ever attempt,” MSCHF elaborated.
