While I do LOVE the designs no matter who makes them, I obviously realized immediately that they were exact replicas of Kerin Rose's famous shades (worn by Rihanna, Gaga, and me ;p)
Now while talent is talent, and it does take talent to craft these despite who came up with the idea... it got me to thinking about how fine the line is between imitation as flattery, and theft of intellectual property.
Exhibit A: (pic of Jane's, followed by Kerin's original version)
What do you think.... affordable copies, or blatant ripoff?
I originally was going to remain objective...but since this chick immediately felt the need to get defensive and act childish on twitter (to be FAIR, my cattiness is documented on my own)*, I'm gonna go with RIPOFF.
"Jane" went as far as to claim: "not EXACT more than 1 way 2 skin a cat don't know @kerinrose technique or how she does but thanks 4 the shoutout" Um.. riiiight.
Oh, and believe me bb...I WILL tell all my friends. ex oh ex oh.
* After this post went up, she has since deleted her defensive and outright rude tweets. You are free to search mine, which I've kept up.
comments
5 Responses to "Imitation- is it the sincerest form of flattery?"December 10, 2009 9:35 PM
No question they're knockoffs.
www.smilesawakeyou.com
December 10, 2009 10:39 PM
I agree. BLATANT KNOCKOFF. The sad part is this post could have gone a different way had she not acted so ridiculously (not to mention unprofessional). I have read your blog religiously for quite awhile and you are very impartial and NEVER slam someone just to do it. But since she wanted it to go this way... Her items are blatant knockoffs, she didn't do one thing to make them DIFFERENT from Kerin Rose's designs, which is an awful thing to do to a designer with actual talent. Mz.Knockoff begs to differ? I wonder what Mz.Rose herself would say if she saw them? Or Patricia Field, who has long sold Mz.Rose's items and supported her talent...I have a feeling Pat Field would be VERY vocal in her disgust. They are being sold on Etsy because it the only place that wouldn't question the obvious theft of design (well besides Canal Street and flea markets)... It's a damn shame because a fashion/trend blogger such as yourself is a great friend for a young designer to have. Never bite the hand that can give you press...good press. Great post Dani:) xoxo
December 11, 2009 1:30 AM
They are blatent knockoffs and under each description it says "inspired by the glasses worn by so so". Her not knowing the designer is irrelevant since she saw the designs elsewhere and decided to copy them. I dont mind imitation for my own DIY endeavors...but never would I try to sell them and try to pass them as my own creation.
But on the other hand we buy "designer inspirations" of jewelry and shoes everyday. Steve Madden is notorious for it but they also switch up certain elements to avoid copyright issues and have original designs also. I see none of that here.
The question is would I purchase? Possibly since the originals are way out of my price range.
*Now Im off to go play in my studs and chains and create something fabulous*
December 11, 2009 11:54 AM
The point is, SHE said to me: "not EXACT more than 1 way 2 skin a cat don't know @kerinrose technique or how she does but thanks 4 the shoutout"
apparently NOT, because these are exact replicas.
January 1, 2010 1:29 PM
I admire your integrity and fairness. It is obvious that in the end, you follow your heart--
"There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience"
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