Fashion Fraud

By Ellen Klawunn

In a cut throat industry, one of the biggest problems for fashion designers are knock-offs. Retailers like Forever 21 are known for selling copy-cat fashions at affordable prices, but more designers are beginning to fight back against the many, many counterfeiters. Not only are designers voicing their opinions about the design copies, some designers and design firms are going as far as suing the counterfeiters. 

Large companies with considerable resources have won cases and used other means to try to fight the counterfeiting. In addition to counterfeit bags and clothing being sold at flea markets and stands on streets in New York City, the web has made it possible for many more counterfeit items to be sold. Burberry and Hermés have both won huge trademark lawsuits against websites in China.

Although she has recently rescinded the fee, Vera Wang had a near $500 “try-on” fee at her store in Shanghai, to prevent customers from trying gowns on simply to see the cut and design, and then copy it. Wang originally put the fee in place because the majority of copied designs come from China. The fee was removed because it caused a lot of discriminatory outrage, as the fee was only in place in China.

Etsy, known for its small online shops that allow designers to sell their handmade and custom products, has become a home for counterfeiters. Independent designers have found Etsy shops selling copies of their designs, and some even going as far as using the designers own images. An independent designer, Elizabeth Dye, based out of Portland, Oregon, discovered that her wedding gowns were being copied in China and sold online at a tenth of her price. After discovering her gowns were being copied, Dye also realized that images from her blog were also stolen and posted to the Etsy site selling the knock off gowns.

2008 “Project Runway” winner, Leanne Marshall, first noticed that her own designs were copied and sold on Etsy. Marshall models some of her own designs and noted that the Etsy page was using images of her. Although Etsy has been made aware, the pages have remained online and continued selling. Many small and independent designers simply don’t have the means to pursue lawsuits against counterfeiters.

While it is difficult for small designers, legislation has been proposed by Senator Charles E. Schumer to allow designers register and copyright their designs for up to three years. Supporters of the legislation argue that “fashion designers deserve the same protections as songwriters for their creativity.” While those against the legislation argue that it could hinder creativity and innovation, lawyers representing companies in lawsuits against counterfeiters overseas have noted that 600,000 copycat gowns were sold online in the last year alone, which is “hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue,” for all of the designers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/fashion/weddings/wedding-gown-designers-face-copycat-dresses-made-cheaply.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://news.yahoo.com/vera-wang-scraps-500-china-try-fee-knockoffs-072732914--sector.html

Rue 52 - Crepes for You

By DerShar Myers

A new eat in/out spot has opened up in west Philadelphia. Cafe Rue 52 is an up-and-coming and French inspired, coffee spot located on 52nd Street (hence the name Rue 52). They specialize in your ordinary caffeinated drinks, but that is not all. They also serve crepes! That is right, they have added to the relatively small number of crepe eateries in Philly!

   

The interesting thing about these crepes are the names. The owner of the cafe/creperie, Mahari Bailey, decided to name each dish after a notable landmark in Philadelphia! One is called the Broad Street Run, and another named the Ben Franklin! Clever right? 

I visited the new cafe one weekend and was pleasantly surprised to see that the overall feel of the cafe was very laid-back and chill. A place where a student could do homework, without all the noise. There was nothing but art on the walls and the music playing was very relaxing. Its vibe is very different from cafes that you would see on Baltimore Avenue or in Northern Liberties. There is a lack of “trend” in this cafe. You don’t feel as though you’re going to find hipsters and new age hippies chatting about what they don’t like about the world. Instead, you will see many people from the neighborhood, everyday people, that just want their coffee and a crepe. 

All in all, this is a really great spot. Nothing is overwhelming or trendy about it. It’s a great place to chill and eat, and it's a great place to do homework. So, check out Cafe Rue 52. I truly hope that this place becomes more popular.

The Great Gatsby meets Brooks Brothers

By: Jenny Fulton

Oscar award winning costume designer, Catherine Martin who designed for the highly anticipated film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, partnered with Brooks Brothers to create a limited-edition line of men’s clothing inspired by the costumes in the film.  Out this month, The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrman, has clothing inspired by the roaring ‘20s, in which the novel and movie are set, and so the line of menswear will have a dapper Gatsby feel to each and every piece.

This limited collection has The Great Gatsby logo sewn into the tag of each garment.  Each leading male in the novel has his signature piece featured in the collection.   “Brooks Brothers is mentioned numerous times in Fitzgerald’s writings as a representation of the ultimate gentleman’s purveyor of fine clothing to the American man of distinction…It is this most basic and fundamental connection that has made our collaboration so authentic,” Catherine Martin said in a release.

This specific partnering is one of the best collaborations the movie industry has seen in a while because it makes sense.  Brooks Brothers is known for the All-American preppy-polo look and elegant style.  Let’s just say this exclusive line of clothing for men will give Kourtney Kardashian’s baby daddy, Lord Scot Disick, extra clothing to add to his already stellar wardrobe.    

The Future of Fashion at Drexel

By Jessica McGuinn
    
 The ‘Future of Fashion’ was on display April 18  when a group of graduating fashion design students shared the first completed looks from their collections with members of both the local and national media at an exclusive press preview event. The event was hosted as a collaboration between the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (you know, the folks who “spread the love” throughout the city with their XOXO Philadelphia billboards?). It marked the first time that the students’ work has ever been on display prior to the annual fashion show, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at the Urban Outfitters Headquarters.  

Writers from publications including Glamour, Ebony, BUST Magazine, Zink Magazine, Fashion Bomb Daily blog, and Philadelphia Style Magazine, among others, filled the lobby of the newly renovated URBN Center to admire the students’ sketches and high quality designer pieces. However, before the evening officially kicked off, they were treated to special guest appearances by Deborah Riley Draper, writer and director of Versailles '73: American Runway Revolution, and international supermodel Pat Cleveland who were on campus to host a special screening of the documentary. 

 

      Allen Sabinson, Dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, was filled with pride as he gave opening remarks while Paula Butler, Vice President of Communications for GPTMC, conveyed the importance of emerging local designers to Philadelphia’s growing fashion scene. Ms. Butler was followed by Lisa Hayes, Fashion Design Program Director, who said:

“Students come from around the globe to be a part of Drexel’s fashion design program and can't help but fall in love with Philadelphia as a source of creative inspiration for their work. I am so grateful to be able to share my experiences with them in their journey to success.”

     The press attendees met individually with each designer to learn about the inspiration behind their collection and to examine the details of their looks.

Additionally, they took a private tour of the Drexel Historic Costume Collection and marveled at over 7,000 garments dating from the 18^th century to the present day. Overall, they were very impressed with what they saw and many asked to stay in touch with the student designers for future opportunities. I even felt some excitement brewing for the fashion show in June! Philadelphia's fashion scene is sailing into the spotlight, and with these students at the helm, the future is bright! 

Florals Florals Everywhere

By Faith Stoveld

It is not revolutionary that florals are the popular for spring, but florals are being manipulated in some very interesting ways that are far from ordinary this year.

Traditional floral patterns have morphed into graphically enchanting figures, and paired with geometric shapes to add even more interest to the garments. Mission accomplished. Proenza Schouler created a jungle pattern to make up the skirt in the look above. To act as a balance, the designers have paired the exciting pattern with geometric shapes of complementary colors, making the look even more intriguing.

Mirroring prints on a garment has recently become a trend, and can be seen not only on the runway, but in affordable brands. Bottega Veneta uses the mirror effect to create two panels with floral accents on the side of the garment, and by doing that creates a whimsical pattern in the center of the piece. The mirroring effect adds interest to the garment and also compliments the form of a woman.

            It is safe to say that although florals are in fact “in” this spring,  they have never been seen like this before.

Pay It Forward

As most children are taught, my parents gave me the "how to protect yourself" life lesson, when I left for college my father handed me pepper spray and told me to carry it everywhere with me.  The good daughter that I am, I listened.  When I walk I always keep my keys and pepper spray handy in case of emergencies and keep my purse/bag zipper towards the front and tucked under my arm. 

About two weeks ago I was on the Market Line Subway coming back from 8th Street, it was around 6 PM so the subway was packed of businessmen in suits and a few students.  Because of the time, location, and my surroundings, I felt safe and didn't feel the need to put up such a strict guard.  Well, father knows best, I guess! An older gentlemen came up behind me, grabbed my side and my purse handles, I quickly turned around and said "excuse me?!" The man loudly said "I NEED MONEY." It was clear the man was not sober but no one on the subway seemed to care. Instead, they looked at it as entertainment.  Two young men, probably 16 years old, turned to the man and told him to stop and leave me alone (loosely translated, they used a few other inappropriate words). The man turned away and kept an eye on me the rest of his ride.  The young boys told me they would stay on the subway with me until I got off and calmed me down.  

I wish I had asked for the boys’ names or had something to repay them with.  Their kindness outplayed the incident and made me realize you can't judge a book by its cover, as the father aged businessmen watched my uncomfortable situation in amusement, the young men stepped up and actually took action.  Their gracious attitudes have encouraged me to "pay it forward" to those who may need assistance. We want to make our world a better place but it cannot be better unless we offer help.  

As we grow up and embark on the next part of our lives, I hope we all remember to appreciate each person and try to understand the world for what it has become.  Don't judge a book by its cover; you never know what the next chapter will lead too.

By Emily Farrara

The Buzz Around Queen B

By Nicole Pollitt

To say this year’s Super Bowl Half Time Show was amazing would be understatement, when it both figuratively and literally shut the stadium down.  Beyonce, or Queen B, as her fans have named her, had quite the year in 2012 and has shown us she’s not finished quite yet. Prior to her highly talked about half time show, Beyonce released a number one album, which resulted in 7 hit singles, won the Billboard's Millennium Award, scored the cover of GQ, sang at the Presidential Inauguration and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, named Blue Ivy. So what could this superstar mommy have left to show us?

February 16^th, Beyonce once again captured our attention but this time in a way we’ve never seen her before. Life Is But a Dream, a 90-minute documentary, produced by Beyonce herself, aired on HBO and shows the mom and superstar as a businesswoman, private moments with her husband and family and even segments from her personal video diary. Beyonce who is know for being incredibly private when it comes to her life, opens up about some of the biggest struggles in her career and life as well as some of the most life changing moments. We hear about what it was like to fire her father as her manager, how she took control of her own career, how her husband Jay-Z has inspired her and how her outlook on life has changed after becoming a mother. Throughout the film there is sense of vulnerability shown by the singer and it’s a feeling that the viewer can relate to.

“Stop pretending that I have it all together. If I’m scared, be scared. Allow it. Release it. Move on,” she says to herself, in one of her diary segments.

 We feel her pain and her excitement but most of all we feel inspired. It’s as though we’ve learned a little bit more about life as she shares little pieces of wisdom with us.

After emotionally exposing herself to us all, what’s next for Queen B? A Vogue cover, a world tour, and hopefully  a few more years of music.Who run's the world? Well, as of now it's clearly this Queen B.