Cynthia’s Thoughts on Designer Inspired Styles
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Loading ...May 29, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Fashion, Lifestyle, Opinion, Weekly Columns
Stores like Forever 21 have, for the past little while, been sued by major designers for copying their designs. The major designers are saying that these discount stores are infringing on their intellectual property. Fair enough. However, how come you never hear of these companies suing other brands which are within their market range? For example, Polo Ralph Lauren and Lacoste both make similar-looking shirts. Take away the polo man and the alligator and anything else associated with these respective brands, would you be able to tell the difference? While I’m sure some might, solely based on colours, many would not. If that’s the case, then why are people upset with Forever 21? Most copies aren’t exact, it’s to the point that you ARE able to tell the difference. Even for people who aren’t in the business.
I think designers and major companies are upset only because the stores who’re copying their designs (I’m not even sure if “copy” is the right word – “inspired” is more like it) are selling these pieces at a much lower cost. I would think that if Forever 21 was selling dresses at $250 or more a piece, designers would not be as upset.
I understand that people don’t like others stealing their work. The inspired styles are, unlike a polo shirt (which of course, is done by brands other than Lacoste and Polo Ralph Lauren), not “basics.” Instead, they are the “in” item of the season, and only sold for one season. Hence, it is more disturbing to see one’s styles being copied. But one must not forget that in the world of creativity, everything is likely inspired by another. There isn’t really such a thing as originality. For writers, there are only so many plots. One can say that practically every romantic comedy is the same. Same with action movies. Of course, designers will say that there’s a difference - plot lines are only basics and therefore not exact (or even almost exact) reproductions, while these clothes are. But where do you draw the line? If Designer A and Designer B both have black tulip skirts this season, should they be suing each other? Or is this more like a Lacoste/Ralph Lauren situation?
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