Adventures in Copyright: Topshop Tops Itself

Sep 29, 2008 @ 2:35pm

topshop copies peter jensen loafters.jpg I've been ogling these Peter Jensen for Topshop loafers, left, for a while now. I loved the patent leather, but I didn't love the price tag.

But now, thanks to Topshop's ingenuity, I'm in luck. They've knocked off their own designer collaboration, right, and designed the exact same shoe for $85 less.

Let's examine the (tiny) differences:

- Peter Jensen's are a little shinier, but we don't know if that's a good thing.

- Peter Jensen's do have that candy apple red while Topshop's are a little more blood-stained.

- Peter Jensen's seem to be a little better constructed.

Granted, these are pretty simple penny-loafers gone red patent and Peter Jensen nor Topshop are reinventing the heel, but come on, really? The only real difference, besides the price, is that the Peter Jensens are labeled as "designer" and Topshop's can be found under "smart"...

--ALEXANDRA BEN-GURION

posted by guest

Sep 29, 2008 2:46PM

You've been eyeing these? They remind me of the pope.

Funny that Topshop did this though.

posted by soilikethelike

Sep 29, 2008 3:32PM

not surprised, target does this all the time with their collection designers

posted by rocketcup

Sep 29, 2008 4:24PM

the links don't go directly to the shoes, but to the main page...but did you notice in their "wonderland" collection, there's a harlequin sequinned dress that looks an awful lot like a sass & bide dress:

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&langId=-1&partNumber=TS04X33TMUL

http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=SASS-WD25&c=Sass+%26+Bide&s=B&sc=Collection&n=n&source=shopstyle

posted by guest

Sep 29, 2008 4:52PM

Just a question: If a designer collaborates with a big-company store, does the store then own the designs?

posted by guest

Sep 29, 2008 9:58PM

the peter jensens are prada knock-offs from like 2004

posted by guest

Sep 29, 2008 10:46PM

aren't these just...red loafers? I see they are identical and all... but does that mean if someone releases a cheaper version of a sheer white pocket t that alexander wang should sue them for copyright? (just saying...)

posted by fay

Sep 30, 2008 4:57AM

Yeah, I kind of agree, guest 6. They both look like pretty standard loafers to me.

posted by guest

Sep 30, 2008 9:28AM

I've had a pair of those exact shoes in a cognac color for at least a decade. They're Doc Martens.

posted by guest

Sep 30, 2008 9:39AM

I like the ones on the right better anyways!

posted by guest

Sep 30, 2008 5:55PM

OK i was just saying how much i missed adventures in copyrights!

posted by HiFashionLvr

Oct 04, 2008 1:10PM

well its pretty brilliant; they would've been knocked off by another company. but you've gotta wonder how Peter Jenkens feels about all this...the other half of the collaboration flying solo with his design...