The Budget Fashionista

July 18, 2007 Madison wrote:

I can appreciate that these celebrities have designs, but I for one am glad that Forever 21 has cute and cheap clothing for those of us that have young teens that are still growing.

A single parent, I can afford Forever 21 and Wet Seal and both allow my teen daughter to dress fashionably… I cannot afford Nordstrom’s or Neiman’s because she grows out the clothes in a matter of months…

So, I’m sorry that the designs so closely resemble the designs of celebrities, but glad my daughter can dress cheap and fit in.

Madison
http://www.shop5thavenue.com
Luxury Gifts To Die For

July 18, 2007 Natalie wrote:

It would be great if Gwen and other celebrities paired up with F21 and other reasonably priced stores.  However, I really don’t think that’s gonna happen anytime soon.  But, never say never…

Check out Sarah Jessica Parker’s new line at Steve & Barry’s - it really doesn’t get any better than that.  Coincidentally, I’m wearing a Steve & Barry’s outfit today: brown peasant skirt and cute brown and white babydoll v-neck blouse with cap sleeves.  Not to mention my Payless peep-toe pumps.  Total price of my outfit (including shoes) - $32!!

July 18, 2007 jj wrote:

Well, Harajuku Lovers *is* her downmarket line (as compared to L.A.M.B.). 

I have to say, I have mixed feelings about F21.  Yes, they have the latest trends and a HUGE selection.  But the clothes are poorly made, they don’t have a great history of supporting garmet workers and I really do think they rip off designers. 

I have a few things from them, but for the most part, I’d rather invest my money in better quality pieces that I can wear for years and years.  A $16 t-shirt that falls apart after 4 wearings comes to $4 per wearing.  A $48 blouse that I can wear twice a month for a year comes to $2 per wearing… essentially half the price.

July 18, 2007 Julie wrote:

Its funny only because thats what most of those stores do. They take designer wear and for all intents and purposes reproduces them and sells them to those of us who can’t afford to spend up to thousands of dollars for say a dress.

July 18, 2007 chantal wrote:

Whats with forever21 repeatedly getting sued? you’d think they would learn already! I just read an article about that at www.thebudgetbabe.com! These people need to stop it already, or just pair up with the designers! We’d all love that! :-)

July 18, 2007 suz wrote:

The fact that you (or I) can’t afford the full-price version doesn’t permit us to steal it.

Good for Gwen Stefani. F21 shares her target market- very young, very trendy.

July 18, 2007 canalstreetlouisvitton wrote:

There are knockoffs, homages and trends, and then there are direct ripoffs and piracy. F21 needs to figure out where the line is, and either accept that sometimes when they cross it they’ll lose a lawsuit, or be more careful in their product development. But Stefani and DVF have filed suit; they haven’t won yet. Anyone can sue. Not everyone will win. F21 does cross the line and I bet we’ll see less literal interpretations going forward.

July 18, 2007 juicefairy wrote:

Good post.  I have seen tops at Forever XXI that look very similar to Gwen’s collection.  But isn’t that what all retailers do.  Retailers are always trying to borrow the looks from designers and offer them at a low price (and often at a lesser quality).  I love Forever XXI and I would hate for this to put them out of business. --jf

July 19, 2007 JR wrote:

How about Gwen Stefani stop raking in the big bucks off cultures that in no way belong to her?  Now there’s a crazy idea.  I think the entire country of Japan should sue her for cultural infringement.

July 20, 2007 budget babe wrote:

i don’t find gwen’s “designs” to be unique at all. she’s profiting off street styles that have been around for years. and actually, JR made a good point--she does copy styles that are popular in japan. like people in the US won’t notice? i’d also like to know where and how her clothes are manufactured.

July 24, 2007 give me a break wrote:

This is sheer hypocracy.  If Stefani wants to sue Forever 21 for knocking off the Harajuku line, then the Tokyo Harajuku kids should sue her for commodifying their entire youth culture.  Get a life Gwen, you of all people should know what its like to capitalize on somebody else’s style.

September 25, 2007 name with held wrote:

Gwen Stefani already has enough money why would she sue Forever21 when in reality she didn’t even design the clothing her self. Celebs higher designers to come up with outfits, I know this b/c I worked with a celebrity (not mentioning name)on there line and quit when they wanted to take full credit for my garments I designed and they only wanted to pay me 2% of the sales; the true designer never gets credit. Her clothes arent anything special anyway, lets be serious would you rather spend $400 dollars for a 100% cotton shirt made from China or $12 bucks for something simmilar to it from forever21.

October 14, 2007 Marianella wrote:

I have lost any respect I had for Gwen Stefani.  I think she has let her ego get the best of her. She blatantly ripped off the looks of old Hollywood starlets like Jayne Mansfield, and Marylin Monroe. The only difference is they can’t sue her. You are NOT creative Stefani.  Your Designs and ideas have been done over and over.  Stop trying to sue forever 21 because of your lack of creativity.