Designers Say: When I Move, You Move (But not JUST LIKE that)
So, in case you didn’t know, here’s how it goes: designer labels send their creations for next season down the runways during fashion week (whether NY, Milan, Paris… the list goes on). We ooooh and ahhhh, mags wag about them, starlets and divas’ stylists make their choices, boutiques buy and lower-priced brands take notes. Some time later, we (the reg’la folks) see said starlets sporting the season’s hautest, and eventually, we have access- to the designer versions (if we can afford them) and to one-offs (sometimes knock-offs– think of Alexander McQueen’s legal battle with Steve Madden, etc). While we’ve expressed our disapproval of knock-offs, we see nothing wrong with copping a one-off (which means the brand took inspiration from the style but didn’t copy the item EXACTLY). Still don’t get it? I’ll illustrate with Yves Saint Laurent’s Imperiale Pumps and Dolce Vita’s April Pumps.
YSL sent these pumps down the runway in February during Fashion Week. (Image via Style.com’s Accessory Report.)
Quirky, edgy musician and fashion muse, Lady Gaga has been spotted wearing the black suede rendition on numerous occasions. (Images via SoleintheCity.ca and Lady Gaga Style, respectively.)
And we have the choice between splurging on the YSL originals or copping the one-off by Dolce Vita.
Both pairs have the sculpted demi-wedge and 1 inch platform. However they YSL Imperiale (on the left) has the sumptuous pebbled suede outsole and delicate 4.5 inch slanted heel. The Dolce Vita April (on the right) features a slightly thicker 5 inch heel and rounder toe. It also doesn’t have the sloping side that gives the Imperiale it’s extra sexy profile view. All in all, though the April is a great example of accessible fashion that takes a cue from the runway but doesn’t STEAL from it.
StyleScrybe Says 