February 25th, 2020
On My Mind
Copycat?
This Holiday Boileau skirt is an integral part of my summer run-around uniform. When I asked if they would make it in black, my request was politely declined. Is it ethical to have it copied down to the stitching?
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Looks like there is a navy one on sale on Matches? Is it not the same style?
I say go for it! Custom tailors often ask clients to bring in pieces they already love to create patterns.
Yes, it’s the same as the navy one on Matches. It was also in pink and a daisy-print, which I have and love.
Absolutely yes.
Go for it. It would only be unethical if you sold copies (of the black one).
Lots of women copy patterns from designer skirts in other materials. I was shocked how many of them do that- but if the style works, why not.
Interesting question. I think not. What kind of ownership can someone claim to such a simple style? If you passed it off as theirs, it would be unethical, and if you sold it as the comment above says. I just wish I could wear it.
Unethical is when you claim it’s your original design or market it as your own. For those of us that grew up wearing clothes our mothers sewed, replicating the latest styles in the stores was a way of life. : )
Not sure if this is close enough, but I have a skort I bought years ago from Athleta in black that I love…the name is the Soho skort and it looks very similar…
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=211382
I think it’s a complicated question and that the ethical thing to do is get their permission first before you have an exact copy made. Designers, like writers and photographers and others who work and make their living in the world of intellectual property, are often imitated, but if a creative work is copied exactly and displayed (I.e., worn, especially by someone with influence), I think that is not correct to do. I am probably more sensitive to this question because I professionally produce copywrited material and I own a trademark that took years (and considerable expense) to obtain. But you have the alternative to imitate the skirt — make a copy that is similar but different. Change the pockets or the stitching. Just my thoughts….
Go for it. This is not a unique design…if it makes you feel better, change some of the stitching…3 rows at the hem, for example. You aren’t selling it!
I recall Ina Garten saying that the shirts she has worn for YEARS were copied from an Eileen Fisher shirt. She has had that shirt made in many fabrics. If Ina can do it, you can too!
I agree with everyone that said yes unless made with the intention to sell. On another note this is one time that I wish I were 5’6″. That skirt looks too short for a 5’9″ woman in her late 50’s:(
I love Holiday! I wish that more retailers in the US carried their clothing. Shipping, taxes and duties are so expensive when sizing is an issue and you need to exchange it or return it. I’ve purchased from Matches and La Garconne in the past but want more and it’s not available. I say go for it.
There is nothing new under the sun! And there is nothing particularly original about this skirt. Go for it! You did take the request to them first, after all. Agreed unethical to copy and sell, but dressmakers have been copying designers forever!
I have a dress maker who is a fabulous pattern maker. She takes my favorite pieces, makes patterns and then we tweak them so they fit me perfectly in different fabrics. Because we are changing things slightly like sleeve length, neckline, topstitching, etc., it really is a new design each time. I just wish she were faster. It takes sooo long. Just change something a bit and it is your design.