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Adventures in Copyright Apr 6, 2009 @ 1:13pm

Adventures in Copyright: A Basket-Case

steve madden poorly channels karl .jpgSteve Madden’s officially on track to win copier of the year.

This time, he’s appropriated Fendi’s suede basket booties. The Steve Madden version’s patent leather - because fake patent leather’s the cheapest material one can get. But the key points are practically identical - from the front platform to the skyscraper heel to the angular cut-outs to the peep-toe shape, the major difference is quality, detail and of course, the price tag.

Yes, we understand the gaping difference between $760 for Fendi and $89.95 for Steve Madden.

But on top of the quality the former gets you is the thinner stiletto, the scooped peeped toe, the gold side zipper, the flattering shape, the exquisite suede and the knowledge it’ll last you more than a season. It’s enough to make you wait for a sale and pray that your size is still available.

Sorry Steve - maybe next time.

—CARSON GRIFFITH

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(0) recommend this (9) Comments

Posted in Adventures in Copyright and Fendi, Net-a-Porter, Steve Madden

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Comments

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1

posted by guest

Apr 06, 2009 2:09PM

I think I'd prefer the shoe without the gaudy gold zipper

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2

posted by guest

Apr 06, 2009 2:15PM

put you'd prefer it in cheap patent leather? gross. love it, only problem is suede gets ruined so easily. sale shoe, definitely.

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3

posted by guest

Apr 06, 2009 2:52PM

He's known for his copies, after all.

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4

posted by guest

Apr 06, 2009 3:50PM

Another perfect example of why the US needs to pass stronger design protection laws. Hell, I'll even vote for the oft proposed copyrights for fashion designs. Dior, Givenchy, et al fought these violations in the '50s and we still can't get Congress to budge on the issue?!?!? Criminal....

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5

posted by guest

Apr 06, 2009 8:04PM

Guest four, your point is taken. However, your punctuation rights are revoked. :-)

Seriously, though. If we were to pass laws creating copyrights for fashion designs, the entire industry would grind to a halt, because everyone could feasibly sue everyone else for violations. It would also be the end of any kind of "inspired by" looks. For example, Alexander McQueen's F/W collection wouldn't have flown, because it's packed with references to Chanel and others. Imagine if all that was under copyright. Or, for that matter, if DVF was the only person allowed to make wrap dresses because she owned the copyright?

Also, to be perfectly frank, I think Congress has more important things to do with their time at the moment.

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6

posted by guest

Apr 06, 2009 8:57PM

*yawn*

7

posted by MissRocks

Apr 06, 2009 9:21PM

I agree with #5. Fashion designers know that they're eventually gonna be indexed and referenced to for whatever they do at some point. It's a form of art. And i mean really, nothing is "original" anymore. Besides, I like cheap patent leather! =D

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8

posted by guest

Apr 07, 2009 3:30AM

cheers to #5!

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9

posted by guest

Apr 07, 2009 4:45PM

I'm not a huge Steve Madden fan, but I do believe they use real patent leather. At very least, it is leather.

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