As soon as I went to ShopBop today in search of bags about which to write, I saw the one in the photo over there and thought, “What a great coup for ShopBop, they’re carrying Maison Martin Margiela now!”
As soon as I went to Except they’re not, which is too bad. They are, however, carrying the Alice + Olivia Suede Hobo, which appears to be a more or less complete ripoff of the Maison Martin Margiela X-Shaped Hobo. I’m not one to call anyone out for merely a glancing resemblance, so check the proof after the jump.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I submit Exhibit A and Exhibit B. The bags are photographed differently – the Alice + Olivia one looks like it’s being suspended by a hook that has been removed from the photo while the MMG version is resting partially on a flat surface, but it looks like their structures are nearly identical, down to the wrapped handle at the top. I know that designers borrow inspiration from each other all the time, and I don’t think most people (or most brands) have much of a problem with that, but these two bags are too close for comfort to me. Buy through ShopBop for $596.
What is the price comparison Amanda?
I have a friend who used to work for A & O as a designer. Word on the street is that they actively “borrow” across the board – from accessories to their ready to wear.
Like buy things they like and copy the construction blow by blow, done more cheaply of course…
@Megs – Saks was down when I wrote this post, I had to scoop that pic up from a third party site, lemme see if I can check it now…I think the MMG bag was over a grand…yep, they range between $995 and $1295.
@Amanda and Megs, the small version from MMG is $995 and the one pictured is $1295 at saks….
And i have gotten the chance to hold them both, and the A&O is a exact friggin replica of the MMG except its made of a cheap rough suede.
Of course, what a great site and informative posts, I will add backlink