Adventures in Copyright

Adventures in Copyright: Tie One On

marc by marc topshop bowtie top aic.jpgSince Topshop seems to be pretty bow-obsessed these days, it comes as no surprise that we came across this on their site today - this bowtie top that’s very déjà vu of this Marc by Marc blouse.

Now we know what you guys will say: This is just a white shirt with a bowtie! But notice the similar pleating along the front, the color scheme of black bowtie and creamy white, the slight ruching around the collar, and of course, the final nail in the coffin for most knock-offs, the timing. All these add up to safely declare this a copy of the Marc by Marc, regardless of how much we’re anticipating the Topshop opening in New York.

Not to mention that sleeveless, pleated, georgette silk tops with black bowties are actually harder to come by than you might think.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

Comments

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1

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 3:08PM

Speaking of Marc deja vu.... doesn't this look very familiar?

http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Dresses/Dreamsicle+Dress

2

posted by Summer

Jul 29, 2008 3:15PM

Hmmm, I like the Topshop version better. All those pleats and the blouson hem on the Marc top just scream "poufy" to me, and that butter/ivory color makes me look jaundiced.

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3

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 3:36PM

What's the general consensus of TopShop/Forever21 knockoffs on this board? It seems like most resent it. As someone who can only dream of the originals, however, I'm always happy with a cute take on an original (like this one). Also, when is TopShop coming to town?

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4

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 3:56PM

dare i say it? i think the topshop version is prettier and, more importantly, more wearable.

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5

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 4:33PM

I work at anthropologie and we actually just got something in very very similar to this top. Guess this look seems to be making it's way around...Tried to find a link but its not on the website, shame shame.

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6

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 5:11PM

I disagree- the marc top has a classier, easier to get away with bow and the pleating is elegant and slimming. Plus the color is richer.

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7

posted by fay

Jul 29, 2008 5:19PM

Guest @ 3:36pm 'inspired by' yes; 'ripped off' no.

I maintain that there is a difference and that it's important. If you can tell a high street piece is channeling a designer piece, fine. But the almost exact copies, like the ones we sometimes see, are a no-no. High street pieces need to be different enough (and I'm not just talking quality here, we know there's a difference there!)

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8

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 5:29PM

actually, the top shop version is 100% viscose and i have to admit that, as someone with an allergy to silk (horrors, i know!) who has been lusting after that mj top for quite a while, it's kind of a nice surprise. that being said, i feel like i've been staring at the mj version (there were a few different versions if i recall correctly) on the sale page of every women's cloting website for ages, so the thrill is kind of gone...

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9

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 6:27PM

that marc shirt looks really silly imo. very "i'm a penguin"

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posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 6:38PM

there are tops like these everywhere. /:

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11

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 8:06PM

"But notice the similar pleating along the front, the color scheme of black bowtie and creamy white."

I think their similar choices of black bowtie and creamy white is more attributed to, you know, formal dresswear and tuxedos than TopShop just ripping off MJ. Are they similar? yes. But is this an exact rip-off? no. I call "inspired by."

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12

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 8:27PM

marc's top looks like failed homemade pasta

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13

posted by guest

Jul 29, 2008 11:43PM

i like the Topshop version. it also looks more expensive.

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14

posted by guest

Jul 30, 2008 10:35AM

British readers ; has anyone else been in Primark recently and seen the multitude of Marc by Marc knockoffs? dresses, blouses EVERYTHING!

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16

posted by guest

Jul 31, 2008 7:34PM

totally different! you can do better than that.

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17

posted by guest

Jul 31, 2008 11:57PM

the topshop one actually looks pretty good...i like how there's a black hem. i'd definitely wear it!

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