Dupli-Caught: Zara vrs Lanvin

Zara Face Tee Left, Lanvin Face Tee Center, Lanvin x H&M Tee Right

A recent trip to Zara surprised me because I spotted a familiar face.  The oft imitated design of Lanvin tee has been resurrected again without the blessing of Alber Elbaz.  I first spotted the tee in 2009 and it won my heart with the cheeky expression, soft bow and heart shaped lips.  And Forever 21 not being one to miss out on an opportunity promptly knocked off the tee without the bow and with many more heart graphics.  Then in 2010, Benetton surprisingly followed suit by copying the idea of tee and adding a graphic bow instead.  The tee continued to live when Alber Elbaz decided to give the public what they craved in a legitimate version through his collaboration with H&M at an affordable price point.  Now it's 2012 and perhaps Zara thought by now we would have forgotten about the origins of the face tee?  With a soft chiffon bow and wider set eyes, it's priced at $25.90.  While I have to admit even though a few years have passed since it's original incarnation, the face tee is so girly and adorable.  The question remains though after so many years do people still want this tee shirt?  Zara certainly thought so.  What are your thoughts?

dupli-CAUGHT: Matt Bernson vs Steve Madden

Exhibit 1
Matt Bernson, KM Gladiator, $170 vs
Steve Madden, Broose, $69.95Besides the lack of studs in the back of the foot bed, the Steve Madden pair is pretty much an exact replica of the Matt Bernson gladiators.


Exhibit 2
Matt Bernson, Nouer III Navy Fringe Sandal, $165 vs
Steve Madden, Barbyy, $79.95I think it's clear now who Steve Madden turns to for sandal "inspiration". Again the only difference (besides craftsmanship and materials of course) is the lack of foot bed detailing. Shame on you, Steve Madden!

To shop or check out more styles from Matt Bernson, visit mattbernson.com.

dupli-CAUGHT: Topshop vrs Dries Van Noten

Remember back in October when I was raving about Dries Van Noten's lust worthy statement jewelry for Spring 09? Well guess it was only a matter of time before the Mass market steped in with their "interpretation". I stopped by Topshop and discovered that obviously someone "designing for them" felt the same way. The Topshop version costs $40 and is conveniently left off their website and instead of the ingenious rows of rings, left in their stead was rows of plastic beads strung on elastic. There may be slight differences but the inspiration is pretty clear.

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!

Dupli-CAUGHT: Jonathan Saunders

I was really excited when the Jonathan Saunders for Target Collection launched. I loved the color-block, silhouettes and prints. There were so many great prints but I was torn on the marble print as I liked it but something about it didn't sit well with me but I couldn't put my finger on it until now. Although Saunders used unique design silhouettes, and the marble print was not an exact copy the inspiration is clear.

Dries Van Noten images from NY Mag.com

I had seen the marble print before, but only as I was reading a book about the printing techniques from Dries Van Noten Fall 2008 Collection did the pieces come together. For the Fall 2008 Collection, Dries Van Noten revisited a 1920s printing technique created by Swiss inventor Orbis Wirth. This method of printing was eventually stopped as it was very costly and inconsistent and could only print small amounts of fabric at a time. In collaboration with fabric mill Jakob Schlaepfer, however Dries Van Noten was able to recover some of the original wax rollers to create fabric for special pieces as well as duplicate the look with modern ink jet printing for the rest of the collection.

If you compare the prints in real life, the Jonathan Saunders version is done in primary colors and appears uniform/stagnant while the Dries Van Noten version has a sophisticated rich color pallate with many subtle variations that make the print seem alive.

Dupli-CAUGHT

Black Halo Above
While browsing the web today I noticed something that made me do a double take. Black Halo has completely knocked off the RM by Roland Mouret Pigalle Wool Dress. While Black Halo’s version is due to ship on November 15th. RM’s has been around since it debut on the runway in January 2008.

The Roland Mouret Original

While it’s obvious who copied who in this case, it makes me upset because Roland Mouret is a very talented designer best known for the Galaxy dress (circa 20006) who recently made his return to the runway after a 2 year hiatus only to be knocked off.

You can note key differences between the 2 products.

RM the exposed zip goes all the way down the dress while Black Halo’s only goes to the hip

RM the has expertly tailored darts at the neck while Black Halo’s version uses sloppier looking tucks

RM’s hip creates a peplum that stands away from the body while Black Halo’s does not

RM is $2065 vrs Black Halo's is $385

Working in design myself, I do not support blatant knock-offs. I don’t mind designs that are inspired by, or in the style of, but it really bothers me when almost every detail from fabric, silhouette to color is copied. Behind every design, there is someone working really hard to create something beautiful and original. When you support fakes you support taking the thought process out of design and might as well hire a photocopier to do what "design" you want. If you want the look for less, you can buy designer collaborations (and lately there have been plenty to choose from, Thank you Target!) or DIY craft projects are also great. If you truly love the look, it's showing respect to the designer to not financially support the imitation.