Real estate agent seeks $2.25M in lawsuit against Gucci, Saks over eyeliner
A Toronto woman has launched legal action against two titans of the fashion world, alleging misapplied makeup has caused the “complete loss of her enjoyment of life.”
Tracey Dunn’s complaint against designer Gucci America Inc. and luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue alleges an aggressive salesperson applied eyeliner against her will during a 2016 trip to New York City.
The court filing shows Dunn is seeking US$2.25 million in lost income and various damages as a result of the encounter.
The encounter, Dunn alleges, has ravaged her physical appearance by causing her to lose her eyelashes, compromised her vision and permanently changed her life.
“The plaintiff’s eyelashes and vision was (sic) affected and the plaintiff suffered serious injuries, a permanent disability, pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses,” reads Dunn’s complaint filed in the Supreme Court of New York last week.
Neither Dunn, Gucci nor Saks Fifth Avenue responded to a request for comment on the legal action. None of the assertions contained in Dunn’s filing have been tested in court.
The complaint alleges Dunn’s contact with Gucci and Saks began on July 31, 2016, while she was enjoying a surprise birthday weekend in New York City with various family members.
Dunn, a real estate agent, said she and her relatives went to the Saks flagship location in Manhattan that morning and encountered a Gucci salesperson who began applying eyeliner without her consent and without cleaning or sharpening the applicator.
“Immediately the plaintiff’s eyes began hurting and watering,” the complaint reads.
Dunn’s filing said she returned to the hotel to try to remove the eyeliner, only to find it had clumped and stuck along her eyelids and lashes.
She consulted with various doctors including an ophthalmologist once she returned to Toronto, but Dunn alleges the misapplied eyeliner ultimately led to the permanent loss of her eyelashes.
In addition to the physical “disfigurement” that she says has shattered her confidence and curtailed her professional activities, Dunn claims she struggles with ongoing physical and emotional symptoms as well.
“The plaintiff still suffers with blurry vision, an inability to read for long periods of time, pain, soreness and sensitivity,” the complaint reads.
“The plaintiff’s self-esteem has been dramatically altered.”
Dunn’s complaint said her professional prospects have suffered as well as a result of the incident, alleging her lost confidence and compromised vision have left her unable to attend the galas and social events she described as necessary for her real estate business.