The Knock Off Wars

Ok, so lately things have gotten a little crazy with knock offs. I am guessing the reasons for this BOOM in the knock off industry is because of the recession, but I think that should be all the more reason why people refrain from knock offs. The designers of the original thing have to eat too, ya know.

( Trovata is suing Forever 21, Forever 21 top row, Trovata bottom)

( Alexander McQueen Suing Steven Madden. McQueen left, Steve Madden right)
Before I remember the knock offs being very limited to accessories, purses, belts, bracelets, and the like. But now a days the knock offs have soared to a new level. Stores are knock off clothing within the months of their debut on the runways. Up and Coming designers are learning the tricks to knock off early in their careers. ( Remember Jimmy from " The Fashion Show" on Bravo?)

( Lanvin Left, Jimmy Right)

The word knock off has such a negative connotation, you would thing the merchandise was being sold on the streets, but no. Huge chains such as Zara, Steve Madden and Forever 21 make their living from knocking off designers. They like to call themselves derivativities or imitatettes, whatever the heck that means.

The CFDA has tried everything they can to try and stop the knocker-offers, but the AAFA ( American Apparel and Footwear Association) would not support the bill they proposed, which would make it nearly impossible to get it passed in Congress. What the CFDA needs is some fashion driven law makers on THE HILL in order to help them tackle this problem that is growing bigger than ever in these tough economical times.


I believe that regardless of the times, knock offs should not be the go to gear for shoppers. There are stores that make very nice, original designs INSPIRED by the runway for cheap, like Payless or J.Crew. I know personally, I would feel more proud to wear something that was inspired than something that was blatantly copied.

Another alternative option is to go to stores that feature a low cost designers collection. For example, H & M partnered up with Viktor & Rolf, Matthew Williamson and soon Jimmy Choo. Target has worked with Isaac Mizrahi, and Kohls works with Vera Wang. Even Macy's features a lower priced version of Rachel Roy's designs. These are places that are embarrassing the designer and giving them a chance to reach a lower priced market while still remaining original.


I think fakes take away from a key aspect of high fashion designs: exclusivity. Now a days people want things fast and cheap, it's really a reflection of the times. To me, the moment I get to hold a real Birkin bag on my arm and claim it is mine will be a very special time in my life. But if I already brought 4 fakes Birkins from Sketchy McSketchum off the corner, then what would it matter. For some people, like me , it is a very touchy subject.


I can remember watching one of those hidden camera shows when I witnessed the most disturbing thing in my life. At a high end department store there were some men who were delivering merchandise to the storage. While in the back, the men where switching DESIGNER hand bags with fakes. Now can you image going to the store and laying down $1,000 for a fake. I would just die.

Just remember the people that are loosing out when you buy the fake instead of the original; the designers, seamstresses, stores, sales people. Instead of spend $5 dollars on a knock off shirt, why don't you save your money for a real piece of designer clothing that will last you forever. You can hand it down to your children and tell them stories about when you once wore it.


Also remember that designer clothing doesn't give you status, like some people seem to believe. Status is something that you earn, not something that you buy.