We love Prada. We love black. We love gold. And we love the 70′s.
Unfortunately, a combination of all of the above doesn’t necessarily make for a fabulous pair of shoes. See Prada’s Fall ’08 stompers. They had us asking “Why Miuccia, why?”
That’s when we decided to explore another aspect of ‘Adventures in Copyright’. As in, what happens when the fake is actually better than the original?
A perfect example of this can be found at Topshop, where you can buy a similar shoe to the one that marched down Prada’s spring runway. The directly inspired, less expensive shoe improves upon its more dramatic muse and not just because it’s more wearable.
We still won’t buy it. And we don’t think it’s ok. But we’re man enough to admit, it’s just a bit cuter.
Let’s call it ‘Improvements in Copyright’.
–AUDREY SMITH
Tags: Miuccia Prada, Prada, TopShop






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OMG the prada shoe is wayyyy better, is less heavy and it doesn’t have the ugly plataform
@guest 4:05PM
Do you own these or something? Because the Topshop version is waaaay better.
i agree with guest @4:05…prada original is really gorgeous and unusual and a perfect match with the line of tights they produced. topshop, like all copycats, made it more familiar, accessible and comfortable. but, i don’t look to miucca for that…
the topshop version is cute, but hardly “better”
I’d say the topshop version is too far off base to be called a copy… ‘inspired by’, perhaps but nothing infringing.
the prada shoe must be horribly uncomfortable. he model’s foot is sliding out the front.
I think the prada version is gorgeous.
topshop might have made it more wearable, but wearable doesn’t mean better.
I agree with Audrey, the Prada isn’t wearable. I am all for being creative and out there but there comes a point where you have to be reasonable. Plus, the Pradas don’t look like they fit well…
I’m calling this one a draw. I really don’t like either :)
I agree with guest @ 4.36, I think they’re too dissimilar to be called a copy, that particular Topshop shoe is definitely more of an inspired by. TS did do some much more similar shoes though, with the ankle cuff and all, not sure if those are still on their site.
P.S. Fashionista- they’re S/S 08, not A/W.
I laughed so much ‘Why Miucca Prada ? why ?’.Bless. :-)))
These shoes are fugly lol
The prada pair. Made me feel physically ill. I’m on fashionista’s side.
i am the first to defend PRADA and all their beautiful clothes, even the fall 08 collection, but i have to admit that i couldn’t bring myself to even like the black and gold shoes they brought out for the spring. i mean, all you have to do is look at the picture up there and see the model’s feet slipping out of them to know that they are uncomfortable as well as flashy-ugly. i’ve seen these “inspired by” and although they are better than the original i think they’re still kinda ugly, especially with the platform.
well theyre barely similar. i mean, theyre both black and gold with a buckle and cutouts. but thats it. the prada shoes r for the statement-maker. as if thats a surprise? personally, i do prefer the topshop shoes, though. theyre much more wearable, more modern, more fun, and younger. however, the prada pair is amazing! these r hardly knockoffs.
The Prada Ones are Horrible!
Only Mk Olsen would wear these,and she would wear them with a fur coat and baggy tee :D