Imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Marc Jacobs doesn’t think so and is suing Christian Audigier’s Nervous Tattoo, Inc. for trade dress and trademark infringement over a purse designs.
Marc Jacobs has a pending application for it’s random “Marc Jacobs” scrambled trademark. The scramble trademark is what makes up the inside lining of the “Pretty Nylon” Tote. And the “size, shape, color or color combination, product design, texture, and selection and arrangement of materials and accessories” make up it’s trade dress, which is the image and identity of the “Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tote” for which Marc Jacobs fans around the world associate with it.
Wow, ladies! I can’t believe I am saying this, but I am absolutely speechless! I just stumbled across this interesting-looking bag by a designer called Stalo Markides. It is called the Stalos Markides PVC Feather Bag. I have never heard of this designer before and my efforts to dig up some real info on her were all in vain. Even the official website didn’t have much to offer me! I can tell you this though, Stalo Markides takes great pride in bringing life to her pieces and turning them into works of art.
In the world of retail and fashion, I imagine there’s nothing more annoying than having your hard-set ideas and work get snubbed by a poor excuse of a replica. This not only affects the person behind the work, but the consumer who willingly spends on the factual item, expecting to carry a one of a kind piece. I was picking up some beauty items at my local mall yesterday and I spotted this handbag resting on the arm of a mannequin at a nearby store. I was in awe and quick to note the strong comparisons to a couture designer I am much familiar with.
Bebe calls this handbag the Perforated Trimmed Satchel; Bagista’s know this style as Balenciaga’s Covered Giant City.
The most obvious comparisons by far is the identical satchel shape with the top handle design, the leather covered studs, and the detachable flat shoulder strap. Also note the overall presentation of details such as the zipper pocket up front, reinforced stitching, and if you pay close attention, this satchel is perforated throughout its edges as well. We expected a poor inspiration from Forever 21, not you Bebe!
Besides the fact that you can’t ever compare the leathers of Balenciaga and Bebe, another major difference is definitely the price tag. You can splurge on Balenciaga for $1,795 or get Bebe’s reproduction of the Covered Giant City for $98 at bebe
For some great deals, shop Balenciaga at Authentic Balenciaga on eBay
The Chat: BEBE vs Balenciaga!
June 7, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Alicia
Dolce & Gabbana Miss Pocket Patchwork Bag
When it comes to patchwork creations, the two same words always come to mind; trendy anc tacky. And the Miss Pocket Patchwork N/S bag in snakesin by Dolce & Gabbana, is no exception. Seriously, this patchwork design looks more like a mosaic-inspired mess. Everything from the multicolor clash to the snakeskin and suede combo does not mix well at all, in my opinion.
I suppose the only feature that isn’t disatrous is the convertibility of the bag. At least you’d be able to wear it a few different ways. The fold-over concept reminds me a little of F+C style. You can carry it by handles in your hands, or elongate the strap from 23″ to 26″ and wear it as a shoulder bag.
So, what exactly is the price tag on this one? It retails for $3,995 becase it’s constructed from genuine snakeskin. I can understand that genuine exotic skins are expensive, but I don’t see how this particular handbag could be valued so highly. There’s too much going on here, so this one is a definite nay for me.
What do you think about the Miss Pocket Patchwork bag by D&G?
You can spot it over at eLUXURY
[ The Bag Forum: Dolce & Gabbana Miss Pocket Patchwork Purse ]
May 16, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
Jean Paul Gaultier Camouflage Bag
When a high-end designer releases a fresh new idea into the fashion world, other designers, whether they’re well known or not, tend to manipulate the original designers idea and make it into their own; that’s if the original idea is influential enough to imitate. For instance, take Marc Jacobs and Takashi Murakami’s creation of Monogramoflauge for the infamous French brand Louis Vuitton. Jean Paul Gaultier is no unsuccessful designer; he is quite popular in the fashion world. Recently, Gaultier took the camo. concept and adapted it onto his latest handbag, meet the Gaultier Camouflage Shoulder Bag.
How do you Bagista’s feel about this handbag? I must say that it really is a one-of-a-kind bag, since I’ve never seen anything like it. Other than that, I definitely dislike every detail of it. There is something about the combination of camouflage and leather fringe that just doesn’t do anything for me, even it’s description sounds freaky enough. Maybe if they had focused more on the camouflage detail and less on the hanging fringes, my opinion towards this bag would have swayed to the positive side. Then again, I am expressing my personal preference. Maybe I’m the only gal who can’t pull this bag off. Whether I stand alone or not, I’m pretty sure some ladies can sport this Gaultier piece, just fine!
Craving Camo? Shop Jean Paul Gaultier at eLUXURY
April 2, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
Versace ‘Couture Fringes’ extra large hobo.
This season, I’ve seen many brands and designers add fringe detail to their accessories, (especially targeted in handbags). What do you all think of fringe? Is the style back, or should it stay in whatever fashion era it was left in? Personally, I can’t say I like it fringe, but I don’t hate it either. Some handbags look decent with fringe, while others can simply be called fashion-disaster!
Take for example, Versace’s Couture Fringes extra large hobo. Many can agree, that Versace’s extra ordinary handbags are either a hit or a miss, depending on whom you ask. Some like Versace’s noticeable handbags, while others, seem to dislike the extras Versace always seems to apply to its handbags. Versace’s Couture Fringes hobo is finished in a whole grained leather body, and two-toned hardware. Laced leather runs vertically through the center of the handbag, and yes, Versace did add one of its favorite details, studs! Studs can be found running down the side of the bag, and around its zipper area. I like the dimensions of this hobo. Measuring in at 21? x 14? (excluding the fringe), this handbag is huge, and certainly not an everyday-bag size. So overall, what do I think about this Versace? Personally, I dislike it a lot; it contains way too much fringe for my taste, and the shape of the bag isn’t really appealing to me. What about you Bagista’s? Would you wear this Versace?
Find Versace Couture Fringes Hobo with 46% off via Bluefly (dot com)
[ The Bag Forum: Versace 'Couture Fringes' extra large hobo ]
December 10, 2007
Gustto Estiva Metallic Shopper Bag
Mirror mirror on the bag…
You thought the Louis Vuitton Miroir Bag was a shinny piece of arm candy. Check out Gustto’s runner up, the reflecting ‘Estiva’ Metallic Shopper.
The bags surface consists of hundreds if not thousands of reflecting metallic leather facets, which to me resembles a disco ball. Sorry Gustto fans but this bag is just not doing it for me. Also is it just me, or do those silver circular bold metal disk decorations on the patent flap closure look more like old school amplifier knobs?
Discover the Gustto Estiva Designer Bag
Price: $465
November 21, 2007
Forever21 Does Marc Jacobs’ Hudson Handbag
Yep Forever21 is back to their old ways (did they ever quit even after getting hit with all those lawsuits) of replicating highly favored luxury designer handbags and spitting out a crappy cheap pleather imitation version.
It is far too obvious this time. I wouldn’t even have to tell the average designer handbag loving person; Forever21 totally replicated the Marc Jacobs Hudson bag. The Hudson was very popular last year and is currently completely sold out (try your luck on ebay), which I am assuming is why forever21 feels safe to put it up on their website. Anyway, this bag is a huge nay and belongs in the trash with all other faux designer purses.
October 26, 2007
Would you Wear this? Isabella Fiore Peace Out Jamie Shoulder Handbag
Isabella Fiore has gone retro for their fall 2007 handbag collection, one of the creations new to their hall of purses is the groovy 60’s Peace Out Jamie handbag. The big shocker, this bag costs almost $600. Would you spend that much on this 60’s inspired hippy sack? by Isabella Fiore?
If you like this bag, or any of the 60’s style Isabella Fiore handbags, then I would hold out for at least a month or so. Something tells me this bag is going to join the other unwanted handbags in the clearance section.
Discover the Isabella Fiore Peace Out Jamie Shoulder Handbag
Price: $595
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
