"Something Isn't Right!"

If you have ever seen the animated movie of the Madeline picture books that were oh-so popular when I was younger, you will remember Miss Clavel (the stern but kind-hearted nun) waking up in the middle of the night and saying the title phrase because she could sense something was wrong.

I am not a nun, I don't teach little girls in two straight lines who wear straw hats, and I am not French, but when I read Cheap and Chic Living's link to a Jezebel article on Forever 21's blatant copycat designs, I could have been that nun, storming down the hallway to assess the situation....

A little over-dramatic, but the situation calls for it! ;)

Now, I know that F21 knock-offs aren't big news- heck, I thought it was funny that they got sued by Louboutin for using his copyrighted red soles on their heels. I mean, really, who would be fooled by a cheap pair of shoes when the quality and style of that designer is so iconic?
But what about smaller, less well-known designers? Would anyone even notice if their designs get ripped off?

Apparently, yes, because if you look at this photo, you'll see that the top row of shirts (F21 design) are virtually the same at the lower row of Trovata shirts (they even stole the mismatched buttons on the middle shirt!). The similarity is blatant and inexcusable not only because they are stealing designs, but as they have come under fire repeatedly for labor issues, (read the article for a summary), you can bet whoever sewed the copied apparel is not being paid a fair wage.



This takes the proverbial wind out of my sails because F21 has always been a sort of quick-fix type of place to me that sells super trendy pieces I don't want to sink money into and a great place for costumes. It's just not as fun when you know that the piece of clothing you buy could have been an idea stolen from a cool, niche designer. Where's the fun in discovering something new that is actually not new, but rather, is kinda old...and kinda stolen?

Does the F21 "rip-off stigma" affect whether or not you shop there?

Just to lighten the mood since it's Monday, let me add:
"We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love each other."
Barf if you must, but do you remember this?!