Tag Archives: knockoffs

Forever 21′s Blatant Banksy Copycat

Jessica WakemanJanuary 14, 2010 //

Please, Forever 21, at least try to make it look like you’re not totally ripping off the street artist Banksy with this $22 cotton hoodie. Admittedly, he probably doesn’t care that he’s being ripped off by a mall chain store: Banksy is so “arty” that he doesn’t sell doodads with his designs on them; instead he posts JPEGs of all his artwork online for his admirers to take for free.

But still. It’s the principle of the thing, Forever 21: think up your own designs! [Forever 21, Banksy] Keep reading »

Our Latest Fashion Secret: Aldo Accessories

Leonora EpsteinOctober 28, 2009 //

You may know Aldo as a mall staple and slightly cheaper version of Nine West. While we knew the shoe store made accessories like belts and jewelry, we didn’t really consider that they could actually be cute. Turns out we’ve either been wrong all along or Aldo has hired a new accessories designer with a very high-fashion outlook. To be fair, the sizable collection has a lot of jewelry that mimics played-out trends you’ve seen everywhere. In the mix, however, are some real gems like this Putton necklace (right) with an art deco vibe and this Blouin ring (left), which takes inspiration from Dior‘s covetable flower cluster rings. Also notable: thin black cuffs with gold fastenings that remind us of CC Skye, knotted necklaces made of thick metal strands, and a gold link necklace interwoven with black ribbon and Gucci-esque d-ring details.

Accessible, cheap, and will leave others wondering what fancy designer you’re wearing. [Aldo] Keep reading »

How Far Is Too Far When It Comes To Designer Knockoffs?

Leonora EpsteinOctober 8, 2009 //

Leave Alexander McQueen alone! Sheesh, can’t the guy get a break? First Lady Gaga had to mess up his Fashion Week glory; now Steve Madden is all up in his face. The reason? McQueen is suing the affordable shoe company for copying the design for his “Faithful” bootie, a sexy open-toed number with leather snap-flaps and a stiletto heel. According to WWD, “the complaint alleges that the Steven Madden model is a ‘studied imitation’ that reproduces all those elements in the same manner.” OK, we get it: Madden made a knockoff, but isn’t that what their business is about? If they’ve been copying trends for so long, should it really matter now?

We do get the moral principle of copyright infringement (clearly); however, we do have to wonder how much of McQueen’s sales were really impacted by Madden’s cheaper model. Are Steve Madden customers really the type who would, or even could (uh, we can’t), buy the high-end version? [WWD] Keep reading »

Balenciaga Vs. YSL? Two Similar Pairs Face Off

Leonora EpsteinJuly 12, 2009 //

Here’s a look at one of the accessories from Balenciaga’s highly-anticipated Fall 2009 collection, a super sexy pump that features a cagey, mesh detail and bow tie closure. Yet something about it is strangely (or not?) reminiscent of YSL’s hugely popular cage strappy sandals. Both have a similar structure and feature ribbons around the ankles. Is it just us, or do you see the similarities, too? And if so, is it okay for another designer to steal draw inspiration from another? You tell me. [Highsnobette.com, Net-a-porter.com] Keep reading »

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