As I was floating through the New York Times Fashion&Style section, I stumbled upon an interesting read. It appears that designers are fed up with clothing chains such as Forever 21 and Strawberry making inspired fashion based on their designs and are seeking to outlaw this. What makes this so interesting is the fact that I just recently blogged about designers copying "high end" fashion.
I am on the fence with this subject, still fighting myself on which side I agree with. I do not agree with copying a complete look as some "low end" retailers have done; I'm big on originality. Yes, we do get inspiration from others but blatantly copying the whole design is just wrong. But on the other hand, you get a look for less. You can have an upscale look without paying the price. Who doesn't love that?! Buying a complete designer look can cost you a few months of New York City's rent! We're all not made of money but we all want to look fashionable so I see the need for cheaper inspired clothing. But this just brings me back to the knock-off handbags you see on the street. You would never purchase a fake bag so why purchase a "fake" high end fashion design?
Nevertheless, you must also think about the fact that you may be sacrificing quality for a cheaper price. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes will run you HUNDREDS of dollars compared to the decent price of Steve Madden's $149.95. BUT, with Louboutin you know you're getting a shoe made of the finest quality. I recently watched a TLC show profiling his brand and I learned something very interesting...he technically (hired a team of specialists) designed the heel placement so that a woman can walk comfortably in them for hours on end, that her legs are elongated AND so that the derrière is nice & high like it should be. Now that's what you pay HUNDREDS for; doesn't it seem worthwhile? Then again, you get more wears out of classic handbag and shoes so you would seek out and purchase the "high end" ones; clothing constantly changes with the season so consumers may not want to invest so much money into something that may be "out of style" soon.
I can go back & forth forever on the topic but you can read the article and make your own decision HERE.
I am on the fence with this subject, still fighting myself on which side I agree with. I do not agree with copying a complete look as some "low end" retailers have done; I'm big on originality. Yes, we do get inspiration from others but blatantly copying the whole design is just wrong. But on the other hand, you get a look for less. You can have an upscale look without paying the price. Who doesn't love that?! Buying a complete designer look can cost you a few months of New York City's rent! We're all not made of money but we all want to look fashionable so I see the need for cheaper inspired clothing. But this just brings me back to the knock-off handbags you see on the street. You would never purchase a fake bag so why purchase a "fake" high end fashion design?
Nevertheless, you must also think about the fact that you may be sacrificing quality for a cheaper price. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes will run you HUNDREDS of dollars compared to the decent price of Steve Madden's $149.95. BUT, with Louboutin you know you're getting a shoe made of the finest quality. I recently watched a TLC show profiling his brand and I learned something very interesting...he technically (hired a team of specialists) designed the heel placement so that a woman can walk comfortably in them for hours on end, that her legs are elongated AND so that the derrière is nice & high like it should be. Now that's what you pay HUNDREDS for; doesn't it seem worthwhile? Then again, you get more wears out of classic handbag and shoes so you would seek out and purchase the "high end" ones; clothing constantly changes with the season so consumers may not want to invest so much money into something that may be "out of style" soon.
I can go back & forth forever on the topic but you can read the article and make your own decision HERE.
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