Adventures in Copyright

Adventures in Copyright: Corset Clone

bebealexwang.jpgI’m still obsessed with the Alexander Wang corset dress from his pre-fall collection - the one that’s made the rounds from Rihanna to Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, and sold out almost as quickly as the Coco Duffel.

So is Bebe. They’ve created an exact copy of the dress for their upcoming Holiday line.

I spotted this impostor as soon as I opened my November issue of Elle. My heart broke a little bit when I saw this ad sprawled across two whole pages. I know I shouldn’t be surprised, since Bebe’s garnered quite the reputation for their ‘designer-inspired’ clothing, but there is nothing “inspired” about this.

It’s the same peachy shade of pink with the same black tulle swooped across the top of the skirt and ruched on the sides. And the bustier’s black accents are perfectly copied, too. Other than the shiny bodice, the two looks are indistinguishable. I might not have the body (or the bank account) for everything Wang, but I’d rather admire his clothes from afar than support those making money off of his ideas.

I still plan on swinging by his seasonal sample sale in a couple of months with the hope of finding my size on a rack. But if you don’t live in New York, maybe try this one which has the same vibe, minus the stealing.

Comments

1

posted by Jean Voltaire

Oct 19, 2009 2:47PM

Ouch Bebe... This doesn't look good.

2

posted by RashomonRebel

Oct 19, 2009 3:17PM

Wang's prices should be the same as Bebe's. I advise you to not spend on anything over $100 at that sample sale. Save your money, treat yourself to something really nice and don't be brainwashed by the hype.

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3

posted by Xenia

Oct 19, 2009 4:22PM

*they sure didn't change anything for it to be "inspired"
but
*It's great that we can get "wang" for the price of bebe.

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4

posted by guest

Oct 19, 2009 4:30PM

Meh, I wouldn't wear the bebe dress mostly because I'm not into the "prom dress shiny" material so often used.

And the TopShop dress is alright, but I could not wear it to a holiday party (still looking for something velvet-y)

But if Wang's dress isn't under $100, I agree, don't buy it.
And for a holiday party, I think Bebe's version might work a bit better.

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5

posted by guest

Oct 19, 2009 4:51PM

i'm sure wang borrowed this look from something else, so its come full cirlce as far as i'm concerned.

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6

posted by guest

Oct 19, 2009 4:53PM

thanks! now i don't have to wait for this dress to pop up on ebay with the seller asking double the retail price because it was a "rare, sold out sample". now tell me, is anyone ripping off elizabeth and james?

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8

posted by guest

Oct 19, 2009 5:57PM

Its been said before and I'll say it again. Why not just show the photos and save your annoying copy? We are well aware of your opinion on the matter. No need to keep repeating it over and over and over and over and pissing off readers.

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9

posted by Rene

Oct 19, 2009 6:41PM

I've noticed that often times, Bebe's catalog dress differ from the ones they actually release in stores. The quality is actually much worse and sometimes the stellar details that connect it to the "original" is removed once it hits stores.

10

posted by Reenie

Oct 19, 2009 6:48PM

I agree on the sample sale comment. I only have a couple of wang items, but the way they fall apart is crazy. I also have a few tee shirts from T by Alexander Wang line, and it is so frustrating that they cannot even withstand super-gentle handwashing without starting to pill and fall apart.

11

posted by RashomonRebel

Oct 19, 2009 7:42PM

Reenie, you don't need to be too precious about those cheap tees. Let them fall apart because next year...

http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/191/1913634/40_2009/91306628_10.jpg

12

posted by Reenie

Oct 19, 2009 8:12PM

Rashomon...you just made my day! I already have one that is quickly getting to just that state because "gasp" the friction between the shirt and my bra strap was just too much!

Here i was starting to think that he's a hack, and really, he's just been selling us clothing that will continue being "in" for several seasons. How sustainable!

13

posted by adristar

Oct 19, 2009 10:14PM

ugh.
now that sure is a blatant copy!

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14

posted by guest

Oct 20, 2009 1:03AM

Rashomon FTW

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15

posted by guest

Oct 20, 2009 1:17AM

Rashomon wins.

Seriously, that Balmain collection was cool, up until I realized that there's a real chance women will be walking around with designer tshirts with customized holes in them. ugh.
Not okay.

Speaking of E&J, I am looking for some skinny leather pants that A. Olsen has been wearing...anything similar that any of you would suggest? I've seen some on Alloy, but I've never shopped from them.

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16

posted by guest

Oct 20, 2009 1:21AM

And another thing to point out...
I know Wang's picture is just a model in a dress...but I totally want to be in Bebe's dress based on those pictures.

I'm just sayin'...other girls looks lifeless.

#15

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17

posted by guest

Oct 20, 2009 10:08AM

for #15, obvs not leather, but an okay approximation. plus the material is a bit thicker than the standard shiny legging and since it's jc penney you could probably find them & try them on

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=70425&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1780ef2&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50434&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=1&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50434|70425

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18

posted by KC

Oct 20, 2009 12:14PM

I need to see it in person before I commit, because I think the see through black detail on the Wang dress helps make it special, but I want the Bebe dress!!

19

posted by RashomonRebel

Oct 20, 2009 12:27PM

#17, I think #15 is talking about these E&J

http://eighttwonine.blogspot.com/2008/10/preorder-elizabeth-james.html

which is a copy of these

http://www.coutorture.com/3312367?page=0,0,5

which is a copy of ones these guys wear

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/de-dycker-world-motocross.jpg

those JCPennys have no detail whatsoever

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20

posted by guest

Oct 21, 2009 4:34PM

Rashomon, I love.

This search for actual leather/fake leather pants is exhausting.

I'm just really tired of leggings made with various materials. I want some actual pockets. lol

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