BCBG’s latest bag for Fall 2009 bag, the Femme Fatale, is almost the exact replica of my blue python Tod’s Helmut Tote from Fall 2008. Granted, it’s only $398 compared to a $1200 leather Tod’s bag but still, it’s really no bargain. This brings up the question of being inspired by and blatantly copying. Where do we draw the line here? DVF sued Forever 21 for its wrapped dresses, does Tod’s have a case here against BCBG? What do you think?
BCBGMAXAZRIA Femme Fatale Leather Satchel $398 at Saks.
im not seeing the BIG blatantly copy. Once again many designers take from each and design their bags, shoes, and clothes. I can go into Saks right now and find 8 shoes that look just alike
Dear Tasha,
You got to be kidding me, this is a straight on “inspired”!!! You dont need to be designer to understand these 2 bags look alike…. but again, Tod’s price points is more higher and came out 3 seasons ago, BCBG is not a designer level, I guess is ok they “inspired” by Tod’s…. That’s what steve madden does… its bad and good for the market…. but in the end, the winner will always be honor to orginal creators, dont you guys think? Plus, they will never look as good as the originals.
M.S
i know for graphics, logos, etc. there’s a copyright rule where there must be at least a certain number of differences (i want to say seven) for something to be considered original. do you know if there’s any similar rule for fashion? for example, bcbg could say, “well, the material, zippers, coin purse and hardware are different, therefore it’s not a copy.” i would be interested to find out – would solve a lot of “OMG ripoff!” discussions.
What do you expect from BCBG? That’s like going to Chinatown and being shocked everytime you see a knockoff!
I don’t see the “blatent copy” at all. Sure its a similar shape but the buckles, hardware, pockets etc. are so different. Either way, bcbg is nothing compared but I don’t think its as copycat as you’re saying…
I don´t think this is so serious. As someone already said, there are so many alike bags soon after a new designer bag has been launched, not to mention that this same thing is going on with shoes,accessories,clothes and everything else one can think of.
It’s not ripping off Tod’s–it looks more like the See by Chloe bag to me. Daytripper? Similar handles, ruched detail zip pockets. Check it out.
I am sorry, but you all have no idea about designing process, I am pretty sure they were looking at the tod’s sample and design around it….. sure many designers do that, but just dont it when the bag came out only a season or 2 ago…. I have all the respect from BCBG, but this time I have to say this doesnt look too good, they even have it in their ads…. knock off from vintage instead “designers”!!!….. whom ever approved this style and put it in the line, should really look into this situation, not very cool : (
Research, research, and research, come up with something original, thats the most important thing…
i also dont see the blatant copy.
that style has been around for a while, even Fendi has a bag that is shaped similar to that.
Tod’s didn’t invent anything. i see two bags that look similar to each other, but can’t conclude that one got its looks from the other.
high end brands do not always start the designs.
sorry
Even though the two bags look similar this wouldn’t be enough to have a trademark infringement case. First, Tod’s doesn’t have a trademark over the design of the bag. Second, the BCBG bag could be “inspired” by the Tod’s bag without being a total copy. In the DVF case prints were knocked off, and that goes to a different aspect of trademark law. Simply looking similar & being inspired by is not enough to win a lawsuit(See Louis Vuitton v. Haute Diggity Dog). So I doubt that Tod’s would be able to do anything about this.
If you think Tod’s should sue for this than Chanel should sue CL for the Sweet Chariy bag. 🙂
It is just inspired by as seen by many designers high and low.
Tod’s should not waste their time suing BCBG. Sure there are similarities but the BCBG version looks cheap and tacky.No one would confuse the two! The Tod’s color, leather quality, details and hardware are flawless. There is really no comparison. $398 is not cheap either.–ewww.
Again, yes the shape is classic, you can called “bauletto” or “satchel”….. but come on, my point is, Tod’s dont need to sue them, what i am saying is, BCBG went onto the wrong direction in terms of building a serious bag business…. but maybe they just wanted a fast track products, who knows… Honestly, they were looking at the Tod’s Helmut bag when they changed things around…. things really pissed me off is that, some of you really trying to defend BCBG instead… I am so disappointed some of you comments, do more research guys…..
Couple posts ago you just quoted “imitation is the highest form of flattery” with the CL bag which clearly looked like a Chanel, then you turned around and say this one is a blantant copy. Am I sensing double standards here just because CL is oooooh CL and could do no wrong, and bcbg is plainly… ugh bcbg? Let’s get real, in this day and age, nothing is original. Fashion has become a cycle that just keeps repeating itself. Everything that’s “hot” right now is something our mothers wore 20 year ago. Whatever body sells, that’s what brands produce, it’s all about the money.