I was supposed to go look for Cars today, however, my dad had a pretty late night so… that’s not going to happen. That’s ok though, because it has given me time to share something, something disappointing. How shall I begin this? Hmmm..

Fashion guys, there are a lot of corrupted parts of the fashion world. Actually, the whole planet is fucking corrupted, because humans, like any other species, are not perfect. We are ‘intelligent’ though and when fucked up minds have the power of intelligence, crazy shit can happen. It’s like people say, a smart evil individual is a lot more dangerous than a stupid evil person. I don’t know if people actually say that, but I think that statement is true. One of the most obvious issues facing fashion and all creative industries in general is plagiarism. Where does inspiration end and blatant stealing start? Season after season chain stores are ‘inspired’ by designer clothing. Season after season we see designs ‘inspired’ or just completely stolen from designers such as Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy etc etc. You know what I’m talking about. Many people, even myself, buy these rip offs. Our reasons? We can’t afford the real thing. Even if I saved up a lot of money and only ‘invested’ in key pieces, I’d still be broke. In my current situation it would take me at least 5 months of work (without spending any of my pay) to save up for a small Chanel bag. Even if I tried to avoid these obvious rip offs, which I often do, it’s likely that something I’m buying from a chain store has been inspired by a designer label. The whole thing is pretty messed up,  but designer labels don’t really do that much about it, or perhaps it’s just too difficult to keep an eye on all the brands ripping them off. I’m guessing they’ve just accepted it as part of being in the industry, plus, a lot of these huge brands like Chanel are already making enough money.

What I find really fucked up is when a brand rips off a tiny, not well known designer and markets a stolen idea and product under their own label, often selling it for even more than the original creator. You know what is fucked up? A brand stealing a product designed by a sixteen year old girl and produced by her mother. Marketing the product as their signature item for the season and selling it for even more than the original product and refusing to admit that they’ve done anything wrong.

I’m sure many of you have heard of Larissa, the brain child of Velvet Codeine – her blog and Miracle Eye, an online clothing store that she owns and runs. I first discovered Larissa on Lookbook, I then found her blog and was amazed by this young teen’s excellent sense of style. I loved everything she wore. I then discovered her online store and fell in love with that too, the fabrics she chooses for the clothing are so lovely. The clothing on Miracle Eye is designed by Larissa and produced by her mother. I, being a very loyal Miracle Eye customer myself, was appalled when I learnt that a brand based in L.A had ripped off one of Larissa’s designs. 

This is the dress that has been on the Miracle Eye website for quite some time. Worn by Larissa herself.

If you click THIS LINK you will see the ripped off design, it’s by a brand called See You Monday. Exact same fabric, identical style, with what appears to be a  difference in length. Larissa has been very supportive of Dark Vice for many months now. Like the Sharkies of Black Milk who always jump to defend the brand they love whenever they spot a copy,  I couldn’t help but feel the need to defend Larissa. Us bloggers have to stick together and support each other in times like this. Something like this would never happen to a blogger like Tavi who is so well known and widely respected, so damn it, it shouldn’t happen to talented, innovative girls like Larissa either. I know what it feels like to be copied, especially when you don’t even feel like you’re established yet, it’s fucking infuriating. So please support Larissa guys and DON’T buy the copied version. Buy Larissa’s original! it’s cheaper too! Plus, Larissa’s store gives you the option of having the clothing tailored to your measurements. If that’s not enough to persuade you, I don’t know what is!

To finish this post off, an outfit I wore last week. I think these are the shortest shorts I’ve ever worn.

I shall reply to comments tonight! Must quickly get ready for work now

All the photos used for the images of Larissa are from her blog and store.