Ivanka Trump denies copying shoe design

NEW YORK, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Ivanka Trump is denying she lifted the design of one shoe style in her new footwear line from popular U.S. designer Derek Lam.

Lam reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump, claiming she ripped off the design for her $150 Cadie wedge from his own Ayami wedge, which retails at nearly $800, People magazine said Saturday.

But Trump fired back through her lawyer, claiming a wedge is a wedge and Lam is overstepping his bounds by claiming she was poaching his design.

A written statement from Ivanka Trump Footwear Collection said: "The Lam wedge sandals are of a popular design type that has been used by numerous manufacturers for many decades. There is nothing iconic about the appearance of the Lam sandal."

But, the company added, there shouldn't be any confusion among consumers since the Trump shoe has Ivanka's name prominently displayed on each shoe.