The times fashion copy-cats got called out

[A]s the saying goes, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, but when it comes to fashion, taking inspiration and plagiarising are two very different things – the latter a seriously contentious area. In the age of fast fashion where we expect instant gratification, collections are often churned out to keep up with the constant demand, which in turn, particularly (though not exclusively) from the high street, breeds a culture of cutting corners and, occasionally, pushing the notion of “inspiration” a little too far. As a result, many fashion feuds have been ignited with designers feeling cheated by copy-cats claiming their visions as their own.

From Christian Louboutin suing Yves Saint Laurent, to Mango ripping off Gucci, we take a look at four high-profile fashion feuds, and chart the times when not-to-subtle plagiarism in fashion was called out.

Zara vs. everyone

Whether it’s Gucci, Prada, Céline, Alexander Wang, Tom Ford or Sibling, Spanish high-street giants Zara are frequently at the centre of copy-cat battles. Unquestionably the most notorious culprits for mimicking high-end designers, the brand claim that they don’t copy, but instead modify – whatever that actually means.

On top of that, the retailers are also known for “borrowing” pictures – typically of fashion bloggers – without permission. This, they argue, is permissible as the images are comically drawn, which constitutes as “derivative artwork” and isn’t actually illegal under the Copyright Act. Nonetheless, can you actually imagine seeing yourself plastered on t-shirts across the country, without having given your consent or even had a clue it’s happening? A violation to say the least.

Christian Louboutin vs YSL

The red-lacquered sole under a woman’s stiletto is synonymous with only one luxury footwear line: Louboutin’s. However, in 2011, Yves Saint Laurent incorporated a red sole into their collection in the form of a monochromatic red shoe, which did not go down well. Louboutin took YSL to court, demanding $1 million in damages. Eventually after a dragged out 18-month case, a New York federal court concluded that as the shoes were an all-over red they did not actually breach Louboutin’s trademark infringement. A close call for YSL, and a message to not mess with Christian Louboutin.

Balmain vs McQueen’s Givenchy

Who wore it better: Balmain SS15 or McQueen for Givenchy 1997? This was the question on the lips of the fashion pack when VFiles picked up that Balmain had mimicked McQueen’s design conceptualised 18 years earlier. The all-white pantsuits with cutout panels are almost identical. Because of the time lapse, Oliver Rousteing’s work was considered within the law, though condemned by critics.

Gucci vs Mango

Another high street brand guilty of using the runway for a little more than just inspiration. At the end of last year, Mango had some questions to answer about their AW15 collection which included some suspiciously similar designs to Gucci’s AW15 collection, designed by Alessandro Michele. A red dress emblazoned with a hydrangea flower print drew particular speculation as it was almost interchangeable with Gucci’s “Floral Print Flowy Dress”, along with two further looks including a pleated leather skirt and a sheer lace plunging tank. The designs re-earthed a conversation around the copycat culture so prevalent on the high-street and saw edits comparing the similarities take over the internet.