Chalk it up to “fashion girl issues,” but every time I see a blatantly designer bag, I immediately question its authenticity. The very fact that I cannot admire an LV logo or even have the goal of buying one because it would not even get its time to shine in a sea of “replicas” just, well, it sucks to be honest. And before you think this is just some kind of rant on fake Louis Vuitton bags, think again. I say this constantly, but it is so true: We are college students, i.e. broke. Always. As such, we take our deals where we can find them. Do I want an Add Sheet? No I really don’t, but why the hell not? Voilà, free coffee at Vida. Would I rather go downtown on Saturday night? Of course, but hey, a fraternity party is free.
Similarly, when it comes to our closets and their relationship to our wallets (chic ones of course), we tend to take the easy way out. At least I know I personally have made peace with Forever 21 and stores at the mall for the next four years until that all-important and ever-elusive job can pay my ModCloth/Saks/J. Crew bills. But somewhere within this need to save, a gray area arises that has raised eyebrows in the fashion industry and, in some cases, has resulted in many suits (and I’m not talking those of a Chanel variety in this case). When it comes right down to it, where is the line when it comes to fakes or buying replicated clothing? And when does saving become more like stealing?
I think the most relevant place to start is in our own closets. Pushing my treasured pieces aside reveals trendy pieces that were bought cheaply at mass fashion retailer Forever 21, a mecca of sorts for fashionable girls to try out the more outrageous, seasonal fashions without having to purchase an expensive version. I mention Forever 21 specifically because it has come under fire for the past couple of years for replicating patterns and complete designs from labels such as Diane von Furstenberg, Trovata and Anna Sui. And those are just the ones people have noticed.
Basically it all comes down to money. Sound familiar? The labels above took legal action as early as 2007 when they noticed that Forever 21 was mass producing dresses, blouses and prints that aren’t just similar — they are damn near identical. The Council of Fashion Designers of America — an organization von Furstenberg heads — stated the following back in 2009 in regard to stores such as Top Shop, H&M and Forever 21, “These designers do have a right to be angry. Too often their designs will barely float off the runway before a copycat version is sold at the local mall.” Lawsuits and legal jargon aside (Forever 21 has settled all of these cases out of court and the United States. does not currently copyright silhouettes or fashion designs), it is ultimately the consumer that is left with a dilemma.
As shoppers and consumers of fashion, we logically care about the industry. I don’t know about you, but when I see my favorite line struggling, it is just as intense to me as it is to some people whose sports teams are losing tons of games — or even their franchise. I want to support my lines and see the business succeed, but when we are all struggling so much to pay our own bills and tuition (especially now that both are on the increase here in CoMo), it is not financially feasible. Thus the rush to Zara, H&M and replica websites from which those disputed works came. By wearing the styles made by these brands (but purchasing them cheaper), we feel as if we are supporting the brands, but the truth is we may be hurting them more than we originally thought.
As the debate continues among businesses and Congress as they work on enacting laws, we are left to decide: stealing or saving? And as I sit in my outfit equal parts boutique and mass market, I say the jury is still out.
