Friend Friday: Copycat Fashion

Every week, Katy of Modly Chic comes up with a topic that a group of bloggers discuss. I missed last week's due to being away, but if you want to catch up, head on over to her page. Also, be sure to head on over anyway, to look at what everyone else has said about this week's topic!

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.

I think that the copycat designs that appear in 'legitimate' shops like H&M, ASOS, Topshop, etc are totally harmless. They make these unwearable and totally unaffordable trends and pieces more attainable. In most cases, those who can afford to shop designer (and who have the inclination) do so, and those who can't, don't. I don't think they take business away from top designers because they both have different target markets.

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 think it's wrong for a designer to take inspiration from a design from however many years ago and recycle, rework or reuse it as their own. Fashion is so cyclical, especially these days, so I don't see the harm. As long as there is no plagiarism going on, I see no reason to mind it at all. It's like sharing. Kind of.

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

Almost certainly yes. It doesn't bother 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 of beneficial?

In the first instance, and as a gut reaction, I would say it was detrimental. Everything else has copyright, why shouldn't clothes? However, by there not being copyright protection, then designers have to be sure that there clothes aren't easily copyable by super cheap high street shops, but also, I like the fact that cheaper labels can pretty much mimic anything (ASOS was founded with the intention of just recreating as closely as possible what celebrities wore - therefore usually copying a high end designer piece).

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 NYC or wherever.

In truth, I don't own any knock offs. Certainly nothing with a designer label that shouldn't actually be there. I own stuff that is supposed copies of runway stuff, but nothing that is a total knock off from a street vendor. Does this make me pure? (ha!)

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this week's topic, and you enjoyed my answers! Any comments, please leave them! If you think I'm wrong or whatever, feel free to say!

Have a good weekend!

Currently listening to: Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen by Baz Luhrman.