Double Vision: Couture vrs RTW

As I was looking at some of the Fall 2009 Couture collections, I noticed something interesting happening. Usually I feel like the couture shows are a jumping point for creativity and inspiration. But this time around perhaps it's just a coincidence but I really felt like couture was inspired by ready-to-wear! While the looks aren't identical, the silhouette and feeling is the same except for most part the couture looks more polished (exception being Balenciaga vrs Chanel Couture). Which version do you prefer?

Balenciaga Fall 2009, Chanel Fall Couture 2009

Balmain Fall 2009 vrs Armani Prive Fall Couture 2009

Alexander Wang Resort 2009 vrs Alexis Mabille Couture Fall 2009

Lanvin Fall 2009 vrs Armani Prive Fall Couture 2009

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2009 vrs Givenchy Fall Couture 2009

Free Make Up

As part of a class action settlement against retailers for price fixing in the cosmetics industry, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be distributed while supplies last, on a first come, first served basis, beginning on January 20, 2009. No rainchecks will be issued. The products will be distributed at stores owned by the Retailer Defendants (see list immediately below).

The stores owned by the Retailer Defendants that will be participating in the settlement product distribution are the following:

* Bergdorf Goodman
* Bergner’s
* Bloomingdale’s
* Boston Store
* Carson Pirie Scott
* Dillard’s
* Gottschalks
* Herberger’s
* Macy’s
* Neiman Marcus
* Nordstrom
* Parisian
* Saks Fifth Avenue
* Younkers
The following is a list of the Manufacturer Defendants and their products that will be distributed, while supplies last, through the stores listed above:

* Boucheron (USA) Ltd.:
Femme Eau de Toilette (1 ounce/30 ml)

* Chanel, Inc.:
Coco Mademoiselle body lotion (3.4 fluid oz)

* Christian Dior Perfumes, Inc.:
J’Adore Eau de Parfum (15 ml)

* Clarins U.S.A., Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last):
Clarins Energizing Morning Cream (30 ml) OR
Clarins Beauty Flash Bomb (30 ml)

* Conopco, Inc. (distributed by Coty, Inc. on behalf of Conopco, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of three products, while supplies last):
Calvin Klein Euphoria Bath and Shower Crème (6.7 oz)
OR
Vera Wang Princess Body Polish (5 oz)
OR
Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Shower Gel (6.7 oz)

* The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last):
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (15 ml/0.5 oz)
OR
Clinique Moisture Surge (30 ml/1 oz)

* Guerlain, Inc.:
My Insolence Eau de Toilette (15 ml)

* L’Oréal USA, Inc. (formerly known as Cosmair, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of eight products, while supplies last):

Lancôme UV Expert 20
OR
Lancôme Cils Design Pro Mascara
OR
Lancôme Fatale Mascara
OR
Lancôme Courbe Virtuose Mascara
OR
Lancôme Primordial Skin Defense
OR
Ralph Lauren Romance Shower Gel (6.7 oz.)
OR
Giorgio Armani ACM Shower Gel (6.7 oz)
OR
Lancôme Hypnôse Shower Gel

* Parfums Givenchy, Inc.:
Very Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Toilette (15 ml)

These are the only products that will be distributed, while supplies last, as part of the settlement product distribution. Not all products are available in all stores; rather, stores will be distributing products from the participating brands that the particular store ordinarily sells.

Full Details Here.

Dupli-CAUGHT: Pour La Victoire

I was browisng an online sample sale last week and I was really dissapointed to discover that Pour La Victoire knocked off Givenchy. Peep the Givenchy Shoes on the left and Pour La Victoire's version on the right and you'll have to agree that this is beyond inspired by and a blatant copy.

The reason that I am shocked is that Pour La Victoire shoes are not a cheap brand and they have been spotted on celebrities like Leighton Meester and Kate Hudson and on runways like Obedient Sons and Tuleh.

While PLV's version retailed for about $300, the Givenchy were $995 regular price. Differences to note: PLV's have a stacked platform, shinier finish leather and the knotted strips look sloppier than the Givenchy's. Also the front side panel of the shoe looks smaller and more chic on the Givenchy's while it ends up looking slightly too clunky on the PLV version. Same thing goes for the heel the Givenchy's are ultra skinny while the PLV's are slightly clunkier. Finally the hardware looks cheaper on the PLVs.

As you know I do not endorse knock offs. Please PLV show some originality!