Alexander McQueen Slams Allegations That They "Copied" Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress Design

Christine Kendall says she spotted similarities between the gown and her sketches

By Mike Vulpo Apr 26, 2016 9:27 PMTags
 Prince William, Kate Middleton, Duchess Catherine, Wedding, Iconic Celeb PhotosChris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate Middleton's wedding dress is proving to be unforgettable in more ways than one.

Almost five years after the Duchess of Cambridge appeared at Westminster Abbey to say "I Do" to Prince William, a new lawsuit has surfaced involving Alexander McQueen and bridal designer Christina Kendall.

According to The Sunday Times, Kendall is suing the luxury fashion label for alleged breach of copyright after spotting similarities between the gown they helped make for the duchess and her own sketches.

The paper quoted Kendall's lawyer alleging that her designs were "unfairly taken and copied" by the fashion house.

A spokesperson for McQueen, however, is "utterly baffled" by the legal claim.

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"Christine Kendall first approached us, at Alexander McQueen, almost four years ago, when we were clear with her that any suggestion Sarah Burton's design of the royal wedding dress was copied from her designs was nonsense," a spokesperson told E! News. "Sarah Burton never saw any of Ms. Kendall's designs or sketches and did not know of Ms. Kendall before Ms. Kendall got in touch with us—some 13 months after the wedding."

The statement concluded, "We do not know why Ms. Kendall has raised this again, but there are no if's, buts or maybes here: This claim is ridiculous."

For those who don't recall, the dress in question was designed by creative director Sarah Burton and handmade in the McQueen studios in London. The look was kept a secret until the bride stepped out on April 29, 2011.

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As for Kendall, her attorney Ian Morris says the Herfordshire-based bridal designer is confident in her claims. "Proceedings have been issued because our client is certain that her company's design was unfairly taken and copied," the lawyer said in a statement to E! News. "The claim is not against the Duchess and there is no allegation of wrongdoing against the palace."

When it comes to Middleton, she continues to stay out of the fashion drama while wearing several stunning designs.

During her recent trip to India with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte's mom was spotted wearing dresses from Jenny Packham, Topshop and yes, Alexander McQueen.

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Kate Middleton's Entire India Wardrobe