Michael Kors "copies" other designers?

[BleuSaphir]

Yes, MK copies lots of bags. But I don't care much. I did love the way he used the DE knockoff brown checkered print and use a light color leather combination.

But I want to rant...I can't stand it when people call out MK that he can't be luxury because he has many line that markets for the masses...complaining he can't market both...when Armani is doing the same thing!? It just stupid and ridiculous!

 

[Fimpagebag]

Yes, MK copies lots of bags. But I don't care much. I did love the way he used the DE knockoff brown checkered print and use a light color leather combination.

But I want to rant...I can't stand it when people call out MK that he can't be luxury because he has many line that markets for the masses...complaining he can't market both...when Armani is doing the same thing!? It just stupid and ridiculous!

You're preaching to the choir, Luxe_addiction. On behalf of the great unwashed, I fail to understand why people who can afford luxury designer bags resent designers who offer moderate to lower income women affordable designer bags. I, for one, do not resent those on tpf who can afford their luxury designer bags. Nor do I feel the need to castigate the designers they prefer.

 

[Mariapia]

You're preaching to the choir, Luxe_addiction. On behalf of the great unwashed, I fail to understand why people who can afford luxury designer bags resent designers who offer moderate to lower income women affordable designer bags. I, for one, do not resent those on tpf who can afford their luxury designer bags. Nor do I feel the need to castigate the designers they prefer.

I am sure that among the ladies who can afford luxury designer bags and buy them... there are lots who also buy more affordable brands. When you love bags, you love bags.....you cannot just discard one you like because it is not LV or Gucci ...

 

[HesitantShopper]

You're preaching to the choir, Luxe_addiction. On behalf of the great unwashed, I fail to understand why people who can afford luxury designer bags resent designers who offer moderate to lower income women affordable designer bags. I, for one, do not resent those on tpf who can afford their luxury designer bags. Nor do I feel the need to castigate the designers they prefer.

I am sure that among the ladies who can afford luxury designer bags and buy them... there are lots who also buy more affordable brands. When you love bags, you love bags.....you cannot just discard one you like because it is not LV or Gucci ...

Both excellent points, Agreed!(twice over lol)

 

[gail13]

You're preaching to the choir, Luxe_addiction. On behalf of the great unwashed, I fail to understand why people who can afford luxury designer bags resent designers who offer moderate to lower income women affordable designer bags. I, for one, do not resent those on tpf who can afford their luxury designer bags. Nor do I feel the need to castigate the designers they prefer.

I agree completely. I love bags and have them in all prices ranges. My objection to MK is that I feel he is overpriced for what most of the bags are. I don't think quality when I see the bags-there is no mention of it or pride in craftsmanship. I find it humorous that the Miranda bag which is a pretty close copy of the Mansur Gavriel is actually more expensive than theirs.

Yes, to some degree not many designs are original, but I hold Fossil and Coach in higher regard; they are moderately priced, and also offer some originality and a feel of something unique.

If MK is such a great designer lets see some originality, don't we deserve that? He has been clever thats for sure, convincing tons of women his bags are a sought after
fashion accessory, and he must be laughing all the way to the bank.

For these reasons, I don't care to buy a MK bag, but I sure would buy a tasteful item from Henri Bendel, Fossil or Coach all of whom are in that same price range.....

 

[shopamy3]

I agree that the shapes don't change so much, but he doesn't have to copy the design!

 

[bisbee]

If the manufacturers are angry that Michael Kors has "copied" their design, they will sue. If you don't want to buy his "copies", then don't. I'm sure he doesn't really care about individual sales...

 

[dangerouscurves]

I agree completely. I love bags and have them in all prices ranges. My objection to MK is that I feel he is overpriced for what most of the bags are. I don't think quality when I see the bags-there is no mention of it or pride in craftsmanship. I find it humorous that the Miranda bag which is a pretty close copy of the Mansur Gavriel is actually more expensive than theirs.



Yes, to some degree not many designs are original, but I hold Fossil and Coach in higher regard; they are moderately priced, and also offer some originality and a feel of something unique.



If MK is such a great designer lets see some originality, don't we deserve that? He has been clever thats for sure, convincing tons of women his bags are a sought after

fashion accessory, and he must be laughing all the way to the bank.



For these reasons, I don't care to buy a MK bag, but I sure would buy a tasteful item from Henri Bendel, Fossil or Coach all of whom are in that same price range.....

Miranda came way before Mansur Gavriel bucket bag. Mansur Gavriel bucket bag copied LV Noe. Seriously. Everyone copies everyone. Why is this even a thing.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Miranda came way before Mansur Gavriel bucket bag. Mansur Gavriel bucket bag copied LV Noe. Seriously. Everyone copies everyone. Why is this even a thing.

This is very true. There are a few iconic handbag designs that seem to have equivalents in every brand at every level. Just a few:

the two-handle leather tote, usually with "feet" attaching the straps, often with cinch straps, á la a Birkin or Mulberry Bayswater (straps) or a SL Sac du Jour (no straps) or the classic MK tote

the chain handle quilted shoulder bag with turnlock, originated by the Chanel flap and rampant in the Rebecca Minkoff line as well as many others

the top-handle structured square bag with a turnlock, such as a Kelly or a Gucci frame bag. Chanel makes versions, so does Target.

The top-handle structured rounded bag with a zipper top, with or without shoulder strap, á la the Vuitton Alma or the Hermès Bolide.

The hobo with a dangling hardware clasp (the "Jackie O" bag) originated by the Hermès Trim but made famous by Gucci, which still makes the exact same model.

The top-handle duffel, with or without strap, often with side reinforcement, like the Vuitton Speedy or SC, the Givenchy Lucrezia, the Clare V Escale

The bucket bag as noted above whether a Vuitton Noe or a Mansur Gavriel....etc....

All of these models are replicated in nearly every brand. They are handbags, there are only so many useful shapes. There is nothing wrong with them all being available at different price points - that's great, more people can enjoy them!

 

[Mariapia]

This is very true. There are a few iconic handbag designs that seem to have equivalents in every brand at every level. Just a few:

the two-handle leather tote, usually with "feet" attaching the straps, often with cinch straps, á la a Birkin or Mulberry Bayswater (straps) or a SL Sac du Jour (no straps) or the classic MK tote

the chain handle quilted shoulder bag with turnlock, originated by the Chanel flap and rampant in the Rebecca Minkoff line as well as many others

the top-handle structured square bag with a turnlock, such as a Kelly or a Gucci frame bag. Chanel makes versions, so does Target.

The top-handle structured rounded bag with a zipper top, with or without shoulder strap, á la the Vuitton Alma or the Hermès Bolide.

The hobo with a dangling hardware clasp (the "Jackie O" bag) originated by the Hermès Trim but made famous by Gucci, which still makes the exact same model.

The top-handle duffel, with or without strap, often with side reinforcement, like the Vuitton Speedy or SC, the Givenchy Lucrezia, the Clare V Escale

The bucket bag as noted above whether a Vuitton Noe or a Mansur Gavriel....etc....

All of these models are replicated in nearly every brand. They are handbags, there are only so many useful shapes. There is nothing wrong with them all being available at different price points - that's great, more people can enjoy them!

Great post, QuelleFromage! 👍👍

 

[lenarmc]

Great post, QuelleFromage! ����

I completely agree. I just came from Target today, and I saw a bag that looks EXACTLY like the Celine Luggage tote for $40. I found what I thought was a Mansur Gavriel at TJ Maxx. It was black with a red lining. Nope. It was Steve Madden. The AW Rocco/Rockie bags are just a take on a duffle bag used by athletes. How about the PS1? It's a messenger bag! I wish that people would get real, admit that they just don't like Michael Kors, and be done. I have never understood why his design house is always being singled out. He puts out a good product for those who don't want to spend the big bucks for a luxury bag but still want the look.

For me, this is the whole purpose of having luxury, second tier, and economical brands so that everyone can enjoy fashion and feel fashionable. Something for everyone I say

 

[gail13]

My main point was, if MK or any designer is truly a designer lets see SOME originality.

 

[ilovespades]

I always thought Michael Kors was nice enough, but nothing ever really caught my eye any time I was ever in the stores. I never really feel like I see anything new or special from him. Once again, they're nice bags and I'm sure it's a great quality. But while it pains me to walk out of Coach or Kate Spade outlets empty handed, I can walk out of Michael Kors without a glance back.

 

[jade]

I think you're probably right. I've just had a browse on the MK site and his Miranda is a knock off Mansur Gavriel drawstring bucket. MG is not a huge, established company to knock-off, and their bags are not so pricey in their original form, it's not nice business but as you say not all people are as fussy or well informed.

I also think he rides on the back of his earlier work, historically, he used to make clean-line, coordinating 'sportswear' (not talking about active-wear) and he has stores in some of the highest rate real estate, to many people who see MK opposite LV or next to H they just think after browsing whilst on holiday or for a treat, "great, that's not too bad, I've seen those around, I can actually afford something on this street".

I feel ambivalent about the issue, it's people's choice and the MMK bags are very popular, I can't help to notice them everywhere (how could I not notice those MK medallions? ) but I certainly feel mystified by the ladies who buy the premier priced MK line only to have to wade through a shop full of MMK approximates of every other popular bag on the high street to get to their mega expensive item Maybe the premier line is just a front so he can stay on 'designer street'.

While I do agree that MK is derivative. You are giving MG way too much credit. Bucket bags have been around and been knocked off forever. I had one 20 years ago from Esprit, Target, Kmart or whatever other cheap place I got purses in my teens. Nothing new to see here.

I have a few MK bags: a saffiano Hamilton. My first experience with saffiano and a great take on a structured bag. I also have one of MKS other iconic bags, a Selma in saffiano. Interestingly enough I saw a knock off of this at the Brook Brothers outlet that wasn't as nice at all. I also have the unique Miranda tote from his premium line. It feels like a premium bag and I haven't seen anyone with a similar closure. My last bag is a slouchy super nice leather hobo satchel mashup. It I am sure is inspired by some bag I don't know.

The mid-range designers like Coach, MK, Kate Spade, Tory Birch and Rebecca Minkoff are selling accessible luxury. They have nice looking bags that are often more practical than their premium designer equivalents. The vast majority of people are never buying a premium designer bag...that doesn't mean they want to enjoy a nice shopping experience and nice handbag.

At this stage in human history there really aren't that many more potential bag designs. Everyone is copying something.

 

[HesitantShopper]

My main point was, if MK or any designer is truly a designer lets see SOME originality.

This is true but the reality is what he is doing is selling bags? so i guess they old standpoint if it's not broke, don't fix it?

For now(anyways) his methods work for him, how long though? that is the million dollar question!