In the bustling heart of New York City, a legal drama unfolds as Queens-based photographer Edward Opinaldo takes celebrated fashion designer Vera Wang’s company to court. The bone of contention? A photograph of supermodel Emily Ratajkowski sporting Vera Wang eyewear, allegedly used without Opinaldo’s consent on social media, igniting a copyright infringement lawsuit that has caught the attention of the fashion and legal worlds alike.
Opinaldo, the man behind the lens, captured the image of Emily Ratajkowski, a model with a massive following and the author of the bestseller ‘My Body’, in a chic black outfit complemented by the designer’s eyewear. This photo, taken on March 13, 2020, soon found its way to the Vera Wang Facebook page, complete with the hashtag #VeraWangEyewear, as highlighted in the court documents.
The lawsuit, filed on February 12, showcases Opinaldo’s original photo alongside a screengrab from the Vera Wang Facebook page as key exhibits. The photographer is seeking unspecified damages for this alleged infringement of his work. While Opinaldo’s attorney has remained unreachable for comments, representatives for Vera Wang have yet to issue a statement on the matter.
This isn’t Opinaldo’s first foray into the legal arena over his photographs of Ratajkowski. In 2022, he filed a similar lawsuit against the model herself for posting two of his images on her Instagram account, which boasts 30 million followers, without his permission. Those images, taken as Ratajkowski exited a building in the Big Apple on June 17, 2019, quickly amassed 288,000 likes. Opinaldo had secured copyright for these shots in July 2019, and the case was eventually terminated in October 2022.
Vera Wang, a New York City native and former figure skater, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a career spanning over three decades, Wang has dressed a roster of celebrities and public figures in her bridal and evening wear, from Chelsea Clinton to Kim Kardashian. Her designs have graced red carpets, figure skating rinks, and even the cheerleaders of the Philadelphia Eagles. Wang’s influence extends beyond fashion, with her name adorning fragrances, jewelry, and home collections.
As the legal proceedings continue, the fashion industry watches with bated breath. The outcome of this case could have implications for the use of images on social media, particularly those involving high-profile individuals and brands. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic ownership and the voracious appetite for content in the digital age. The question remains: will the courts favor the individual artist or the fashion powerhouse?
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