Professors: Copycat fashion designers drive industry trends
on Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 00:04
In a recent feature for the New York Times, law professors Chris Sprigman and Kal Raustiala argued that copycat designers may serve as a trend barometer for the fashion world. They explain that when a particular garment is "referenced" - the designer term for mimicry - it has clearly evolved into a trend and gained approval by consumers.
Imitation designers such as Faviana - which creates more affordable versions of clothing worn by celebrities - can make red-carpet couture more accessible to the masses. According to the company's website, their knockoffs are intended to fit both "petite size 2 prom queens as well as a statuesque size 18 mothers-of-the-bride."
In turn, clothing companies that take the latest designs from runway to the department store shelves are actually benefitting the industry as a whole, as emerging trends can perpetuate mass interest in fashion.
Additionally, the professors say that a trend's popularity can help designers determine when a trend has peaked, as widespread availability of a particular style is usually indicative of its impending demise.
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