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It looks like Givenchy is the latest fashion brand that's had it up to here with designer fraud. According to Women's Wear Daily, Givenchy filed a federal lawsuit against BCBG Max Azria Group Inc. in the Western Division of California's Central District, alleging that its Nightingale bag -- retailing for $2,175 -- is the object of trade dress infringement by the young contemporary line BCBGeneration's Rembrandt bag. The bag, which retailed for $118, is no longer available for sale.
Besides demanding financial retribution, Givenchy wants BCBGeneration to stop selling their handbags altogether. This isn't the first time something like this has occurred in the fashion industry; Gwen Stefani and Diane von Furstenburg both sued fast fashion retailer Forever 21 in 2007 for copyright infringement. And who could forget the ongoing bitter drama between eBay and Louis Vuitton?
Let's be honest, a lot of people can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on fashion. When a similar item is on the market for a fraction of the price, it's not surprise that it's going to sell. However, it can be argued that it's the craftsmanship that makes fashion special, not the pricetag. What fashionista would be okay with strutting down the street in a ripped off design -- or even worse -- a fake?
What's the solution? As long as there are $2,000 handbags on the market, there's going to be a demand for cheaper alternatives.
Should designers just suck it up or should consumers abstain from buying knock-offs? Tell us what you think,
Comments: (3)
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By: Li Wright on 11/16/2010 4:03PM
I don't believe a handbag, or shoe, should cost in the thousands. That's obscene. i can understand if it's custom made, made of aligator skin or something, but comeon! where is the leather coming from? Cows! And yes you are right, as long as they charge $2000 for a handbag there will be knockoffs. They should do like Jimmy Choo and make a knockoff of their own bags.
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By: ADMR on 11/17/2010 1:07AM
This Occurs Daily...just an Indication Of Obvious Copycatism & Lack Of Creativity
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By: Tara Melissa on 11/17/2010 11:17PM
I think this is pretty pointless to be honest. Do I understand why Givenchy would want to protect their creations? Of course. But it's clear that the main motivator behind this lawsuit is money - the sales they could have gotten had this BCBG bag not existed.
There is a huge difference between $200 and $2000. Eliminating the cheaper alternative won't make a difference: Most people who are okay with paying BCBG prices aren't going to suck it up and fork over thousands of dollars and the people who can afford it were probably buying the upscale bag from the beginning.
What's there to accomplish? That only the "right" people wear their merchandise? Unlike "iconic" brands (LV comes to mind), I doubt a lot of people would even know the inspiration for the knock-off bag to begin with.
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