Knock off, Imitation or just Fashion?

Hi everyone, we finally had our first snow for the season yesterday. The weather was still quite warm so the snow just melted as soon as it touched the ground. Now it's official; the winter is almost upon us...:) This post is on one of my favorite things; SHOES!

This unique pair of shoes was made by designer Charlotte Olympia and the most unique thing about them aside from the beautiful Animal prints is that they have a recognizable and unique sole. Just like the unique red soles of Christian Louboutin's shoes, these platform soles stand out for their different and stylish soles.

 

 

 

 

 Just look at them from different angles and if you are a shoe lover, you will know that you can not pass up on this one. They will definitely make an impression anywhere they go.





I guess that is why those high end designers make a lot of money. Their designs are always innovative, fresh and unique. And let's not forget the fact that they are usually made of quality materials too and would stand the test of time.




If you do not know, designers also have a patent right to their creations and a law suit will follow when you try to copy their design. So, that being said, "Why did I make this pair of shoes the subject of this post?"

 

As you ponder about my question, can you look up at the title of this post again and also take a good look at the pair of shoes below and when you are done, slowly scroll unto the next picture and tell me what you think?

 

 

I guess the difference is obvious; the prints are different and the color and style are slightly different but still close enough to pass off as if they are from the same designer. However, this shoe above is made by Colin Stuart who is a very reputable shoe designer himself and you can purchase his shoes through Victoriassecret. This is his latest design and why I do not know if he got permission from Charlotte Olympia to copy his unique style, I do know that this is a classic case of "Imitation" or "Knock-Off" as some people would say. This Colin Stuart version retails for less than $200 while Charlotte Olympia version goes for close to a $1000! Hmmmmm....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have always been a fan of Colin Stuart because his shoes are very affordable, comfortable and beautiful and I have over fifty pairs of shoes of Colin Stuart design in my closet. (yeah, I am a shoe lover!...:)) I happened to be browsing the Victoriassecret shoes collection a couple of weeks back when I saw his latest design which I recognized immediately as being very similar to Charlotte Olympia's shoes. I was somewhat disappointed at this copy-work and even though I badly wanted to place an order, I had to refrain myself. And this was really hard, if you have been reading my blog, you'll know that I love prints. I actually did a post a while back on shoes in which I mentioned Charlotte Olympia's design and you can read it here.

 

 

 

 

So, what do you think? Will you call Collin Stuart's design an "imitation," "Knock-Off" or just fashion? Afterall, there are many designers who recreate cheaper versions of what they see on the runway or what they see on the red carpet during Academy awards. Or is it okay for the big designers to copy and then it becomes a "knock-off" when that unknown designer in China does it?

 

 

Come to think of it, it seems Colin Stuart has actually been copying Olympia for a while. Just look at the shoes I am wearing in the pictures below which are Colin Stuart designs purchased through Victoriassecret.

 

 

See more pics here

 

 

 See more pics here

 

 

See more pics here

 

So what do you think? How will you answer the above question?

 

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and reading my posts. And thanks a lot for the comments; they are highly appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend.

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Olympia Shoes Credit: Google.com/ Colin Stuart: Victorias Secret.com

 

Beauty

Ojo