Rip offs are rampant in the world of fashion. One designer dreams up a new way to cut a sleeve or shape a silhouette, and suddenly, there are a dozen other pieces cashing in on the same look. The world of shoes and footwear is no different. And although I'd be the first person to celebrate a novel use of leather in the upper or a clever way of reinventing the heel, I have to admit I also like it when the copycats bring the cutting edge to my closet at a reasonable cost. So even though I may sometimes call attention to how heavily one maker's styles borrow from another's, I am actually willing to turn a blind eye. (Though I have to say one maker went too far when they not only did a knock off of another designer's shoes, they also appropriated the exact same photo to use to sell their version! Shame on you Steve Madden! But you may feel a wish to evaluate the evidence for yourself.)
So designers, show us where your imagination has taken you. And you plagiarists, start your sergers! I like my fashion choices to incorporate a healthy dose of fantasy, but not the prices I pay.
Italian designer Miu Miu unveiled their suede and stud embellished mules back in 2007 for somewhere north of $400.00. God bless Nine West for keeping us mere mortals in mind this summer with their opened toed interpretation...on sale online through Victoria's Secret for a quarter of the cost. (And remember, with the money you've just saved you can buy three or more pairs!)
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