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I stumbled upon the Forever 21 store that just opened at Hollywood and Highland yesterday. Everything was shiny and new, including black patent heels that closely resembled Christian Louboutin’s Lapono Shoe Boots. While Laponos sell for $775, Forever 21’s version are only less than $30.
Forever 21 Photo © ShopDiary
Forever 21 © ShopDiary
Left: Diane Von Furstenberg Scattered Stone Navy Print (via Style.com) Right: Target Mossimo Black: Short-Sleeve Belted Tunic Top in Blue Egg
I’ve been meaning to post about this since I first spotted this Mossimo tunic in Target several weeks ago but as it is with most of my blog posts, I did not publish it. The print is an exact copy of Diane Von Furstenberg’s Scattered Stone print from her Spring 2007 collection. Forever 21 copied the same print last summer. Now Business Week reports that DVF has sued Target over another print, the Spotted Frog pattern. While she’s at it, she might as well add this one to her lawsuit.
Photos via DVFS
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Marc Jacobs’ quilted wallets are relatively affordable at $28 each. They come from the designer’s “Special Items” section, which are actually the rumored third tier line, and are sold at Marc by Marc Jacobs stores. Although they are pictured here in a pearlized finish, they also come in metallic and patent versions which are very much like what you’ll find at fast fashion chain Forever 21 for only $6.80. I haven’t seen Forever 21’s version in person but as Marc’s wallets are made in China, I’m sure there isn’t that much of a difference, save for the price and label.
As for Marc Jacobs’ third tier line, business partner Robert Duffy says “it is happening right now” as quoted from Fortune Magazine:
An example of Duffy’s don’t-bother-asking-so-they-don’t-get-a-chance- to-say-no approach is the way that he and Jacobs are toying with producing a third, even lower-priced line to compete with the Gaps and H&M’s of the world. Jacobs and Duffy are excited by the idea, but LVMH isn’t interested because it’s a luxury-goods company. When asked about a third line, Stalla-Bourdillon is dismissive: “Maybe it’s better not to think about that subject.”
But Duffy hasn’t been waiting around for LVMH. “It’s happening right now,” he says. “It’s 70% of the units we sell in our stores.” It turns out he’s referring to the $20 million line of specialty items - those $20 T-shirts and the other “junk” he can barely keep in his stores. “It’s the same thing that happened with our home-ware line,” says Duffy, “They said no, so I went to the Czech Republic and had them make crystal and china and just put them in the store.”
Eventually, he says, LVMH will hear about the third line enough times that it will want to explore creating a new set of stores. “Then I’ll say, ‘All right, explore it.’ And then I’ll show them that it’s already here.”
It’s hard to rag on Forever 21 when one can keep up with trends shopping there and not break the bank. But seeing the above photo convinces us that there is not one shred of originality in this fast fashion chain. If they don’t copy merchandise, they come dangerously close to copying something else.
Consider this: Twelve by Twelve is Forever 21’s line for thirty somethings whose Twelve Days of Glamour campaign shows a model styled as 60s style icon Edie Sedgwick, who was played recently in a film by actress Sienna Miller, who recently launched a clothing line with her sister called… you knew it, Twenty 8 Twelve. Inspired much?
Well, at least the Twenty 8 Twelve collection was not copied. Not yet.
As you probably know by now, the Roberto Cavalli line for H&M hits the stores today. I’m not really into the Cavalli aesthetic nor am I crazy about animal prints. Like Harrods Girl of I am Fashion, the only thing I would probably look for is this dress. But only after the madness has died down.
This got me thinking, what designer collaboration would you ditch work for? My short list would include Miu Miu, Prada, Marc Jacobs and Phillip Lim.
What about you?
Forever 21 just launched Brilliant Buys where you can get an item at a special low price until it gets sold out. This short length Uptown Sleeveless Chiffon Dress is only $10.50. The bodice is fully lined and comes in six colors. At that price, it probably won’t survive past the holidays but by then you would have moved on to other pretty things anyway.
Looks like Forever 21’s latest reincarnation of the Mike & Chris Bailey passed under the radar. My radar, at least. This version appears to be the closest replica to date of the original, down to the pleats, detachable hood and striped lining. It also looks similar to my black Free People hoodie. It’s not available on the Forever 21 website anymore and I have not seen them in person so I have no idea how much they are and what the quality is like. It’s on eBay though so click through if you want one.
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Gwen Stefani’s Harajuki Lovers has filed a lawsuit against fast fashion chain Forever 21 for trademark infringement. Pictured, above right, is Harajuku Lover’s Logo Heart print and a Forever 21 tee, on the left, with a modified Logo Heart print. While they’re at it, they might as well get Wet Seal and Aeropostale in on the act. See proof after the jump.
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One shoulder dresses are a bit tricky to pull off. We’ve seen a lot of it lately, most notably, from Kate Moss for Topshop. This red chiffon dress is one/off shoulder and has rosettes reminiscent of Marchesa or 3.1 Phillip Lim. It should translate to a must have dress, right?
Probably not. While I love red, I would have prefered this in off white or black. Also, there’s just something off with this dress, and it’s not the shoulder.
What do you think? Love it? Or hate it?
Bonus Question: Where is this dress from?
Ah don’t we all love Forever 21? I wasn’t going to post this but ShopDiary reader Anita pointed this out last week. On the left is a crochet cap sleeve babydoll by Kimchi & Blue, originally $58 now $34.99. On the right is a similar version from Forever 21 for $24.80. The crossover back is the same on both but you get extra pockets and ruffles on the lower priced version.
So can Urban Outfitters claim this item to be exclusive to them as it says on their website? To be fair to both retailers, they can probably blame this fast fashion faux pas on their global fashion distributor. Or could they? The lines blur as U.O. is also known for ripping off other brands.
Personally, I like the black or purple versions better. Also, my friend has a similar top in cream that she bought from Ron Herman last summer which I’m sure she got for more than these two combined. I’m also sure you’ll find something similar from the 1970s. 
