Friend Friday: Copying in the Fashion Industry

I'm back with another round of Friend Friday! Things are getting deeper this week as we discuss Designer Goods, Flat Out Fakes and Inspired Goodies. Check out Modly Chic for a list of other blogs participating in Friend Friday and answering these same questions.

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.

First off, I don't think that people that can afford true designer pieces are going to purchase the copycat versions, so I don't think cheaper mass retailers are taking business away from the designers. I also think there is a major difference in being "inspired" by a designer creation and creating a version of it vs. blatant copying. I am constantly inspired by designer looks and have done many DIYs that draw upon this inspiration (ex. Prada Bib Necklace, Elizabeth & James Embellished Shirt, Kelsi Dagger Flower Booties and more).

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?

Like in question 1 if it is a blatant copy then no, but for decades now designers have been inspired by vintage pieces and recreated the item for current collections. That is why fashion is so cyclical - designers are constantly being inspired in their designs by history and past fashions.

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

Probably . . . but I doubt if even the "very well done copy" of the runway garment would be an exact replica so it would fall more into the "inspired by" category for me.

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).

In some ways I could see it as detrimental, but in others I think it almost makes the designers work harder and be more creative. We are so lucky in having an amazingly huge selection of clothes here in the US - from the top designers to the offerings at the mall and discount retailers. If I was a designer I am sure I would want stricter laws against this, but since I am a bargain shopper that wants to have the latest styles my viewpoint is a bit skewed. :-)

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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.

Right out of college when money was especially slim I admit I bought a couple of faux Coach Purses and a Louis Vuitton. But that was before I understood who was creating the items and how faux purses and apparel plays into the world of gangs, war, human trafficing, prostitution and more. The statistics that stem from faux purses and apparel sales are sickening, and I now have no desire to help fund any of it with my money.

Fortunately, I am also now the proud owner of several designer items including shoes, purses and jewelry and truly appreciate them for their beauty and quality which I know no Canal Street backroom can offer me.