They say that imitation is the best form of flattery, but can we really say the same when it comes to fashion? Sure, most designers find inspiration from the collections of other designers and place their own aesthetic on their designs. But Bebe clearly took “inspiration” to another level with their Lizzy Mesh Sandal which obviously serves as a doppelganger to Stella McCartney’s Mesh Basket Sandal for her spring 09 show. The only differences are the color of the platform, the stiletto, and Stella’s faux leather against Bebe’s patent leather. Caged sandals are all the rage right now: which begs the question, “Would you spend hundreds of dollars to support a designer’s trend item, or go for the same look for a fraction of the cost, especially considering the economy?” Check out Stella McCartney’s shoe here. The Bebe’s are only in turquoise online, but stores may have them in stock.
What’s your verdict?
~Vuitton
I would definitely buy the cheaper version. I am a regular girl that has a good job, but shoes that are $200 or more are just not in my budget. I have the highest level of respect for designers,but there are plenty of wealthy individuals in this world who would clearly buy the high end version over the cheaper one!!!!
I personally don’t like the shoe, but if I did it would be Bebe all the way. The story may be a little different if I had money to waste, but I don’t.
Thank you Bebe!! haha! The rich and famous can spend their loot on Stella McCartney, in the meantime, I’m happy that some fashion forward mass retailers offer me some trendy options as well. I try to only splurge on items I would deem “classic” so my money will stretch as far as possible.
There is no way in the world I would pay $700 for a pleather shoe! I don’t care who designed it. I’d get the Bebe version and have the platform dyed or painted black. LOL
whaat ? they look exactly the same , with some really minor differences !
the shoe is a lil too 90’s for my liking, but i would buy my mom the cheaper one! lol
I worked at Stella McCartney when these shoes came out and let me tell you they were not pleased lol! While I understand the need for stylish lower priced items there is a thin line between “inspired by” and saying f* effort and straight copying something.
I left before any action (if any) was taken but I agree with them in this sense – anyone blatently knocking off you designs damages the brand and hurts sales bc no one who can afford the originals is going to want to buy something that is copied a million times. Its like all of those fake LV bags floating around – why wld I buy it if everyone from hoodrats to the receptionist is rocking the same bag???
Just a thought…