This week’s Friend Friday, brought to us by Modly Chic, discusses copying in the fashion industry,  knockoffs and designers “borrowing” ideas from one another.   Quite the meaty topic and an issue that I can see both sides on.

1. Which side do you take… Copycat designs are a way for the average consumer to stay current and wear runway styles without breaking the bank OR Copycat designs take business from the designer and cheapen the value of their work. Explain.

Honestly, I can see it both ways.  I don’t necessarily care for copycat designs, but eventually, every trend starts from higher up and trickles down to the “lower” chains.   And if the average consumer sees something that they like and admired on the runway, but can’t afford it at all, can’t they buy a more cost-friendly version of that particular piece?   Plus, many designers are inspired by trends, particular time periods and cultures as well.  I think the line is drawn when inspiration crosses over into just plain old copying.

2. Sometimes we do things, even if they are unethical or illegal (downloading music for free, watching full movies on YouTube). Do you think it is unethical for a designer to copy a vintage piece, make it current and sell it?

I don’t know if I would call it unethical or not, but I do think it’s not very genuine.  If your specialty is copying vintage and making it current, then just say it, but don’t try to pass it off as your own.

3. Would you buy an items that is a very well done copy of a runway garment if it fell within your budget?

You know, I probably shouldn’t say no.  Last year, I bought a pair of the Jeffrey Campbell 99 wedges that were a pretty darn close substitute for the Acne Atacoma wedges.  In all honesty, I really did just like the style and the Jeffrey Campbell shoes were right within my price range.

4. According to the fashion laws, at least in the US, apparel design is seen as too utilitarian to qualify for copyright protection. Would you think this is detrimental to the industry or beneficial. (Check out this video on The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe to get a better idea of this concept: http://taxonomyofmywardrobe.blogspot.com/2010/08/fashion-and-copyright-laws.html)

Hm…I think it can go both ways.  I appreciate and admire the taxing time, energy and innovation many designers put into their work.   To see their work ripped off and reproduced by retail chain X, without as much as a nod to all of the creativity and energy the designer has put forth has to be frustrating.   Plus, the quality fabrics and details of design are hardly ever perfectly replicated.

However, after watching the video,  I can see the point of view on how copying designers establish trends.  The “trickle down” effect booms throughout throughout the retail industry from the big wigs to the street style chain stores.  Is that not helpful for the industry overall with the growth in sales?   It can be that it’s not that people aren’t interested in fashion–you can look on Chictopia and Lookbook.nu to see that, it’s about accessibility and the lines  of exclusivity in fashion are becoming more blurred.

5.  Own up… share the things in your closet that is a knock off. You know those things you got in China Town, on the streets of New York, or where ever.

I just have this faux-Chloe bag that I bought online a few years ago:

And I knew that it was faux-Chloe, but I really just liked the shape of the bag–Chloe or nameless designer.  I’ve never tried to pass it off as a real Chloe bag and if someone asks, I’ll tell them that it’s a “faux-Chloe bag”.  Other than that, I really don’t go out looking for copycat designs or fakes.  I really try to just find clothing and accessories that fit my budget from lower-priced lines or independent designers.