Designer fashion seem to be emulated, copied and sold for "knock offs". But, does this imitation force the styles to lose their hipness as they shed their designer label name? Fake designer bags and matching cleebrity outfits for less flood the pages of magazines.
When questioned about this, a Syracuse University student replied, "I think you can get away with being hip if they don't know the difference, but in reality you're a fake hip person". Another student responded, "Yeah, thats just like if you have a fake Louie Vuitton bag, that's not hip". A third student agreed, "Absolutely not. The original item is what makes it hip, its a one of a kind...just like with anything else, when you see it copied, it's not as hip".
Depending on your standpoint on the issue and your idea of hip, your opinion may vary. However, since the deliverance of the "knock off" scene, many fashion experts have approached this issue.
John Davidson says "But there’s much more to the appeal of fast-fashion than the opportunity to bag a bargain. There’s kudos in finding a great fashion look at a modest price and without the obvious pointer of a flashy designer label". In his article "Chill Thrills", he approaches the idea of how recent fashions have made room for vintage clothing and how it is just as stylish today as fashion from runways in Paris.
Gregory Lions argues, "So what is a woman of modest means to do? Enter the knock-off. The fashion industry has created a need that the replica industry fulfills, designer clothing and accessories within the reach of the middle class budget". He discusses the "knock off" scene on Canal Street in New York City and how these cheap replication are the middle-class ticket to designer items without the price.
Heather Havrilesky questions this topic as she says, "Is this simply the thrill of decadent living that accompanies any bubble economy? Is it Wall Street money that has everyone singing the praises of their high-maintenance lifestyles? Is it the popularity of drooly wealth-watching magazines like InStyle that have us running out the door in search of the perfect tube top, knit skirt or pashmina wrap? " Havrilesky discusses the sudden fast accessibility of designer fashion and the prevalence of "knock offs" in our society.
As fashion is always changing, so is the definition of hip. People have their own ideas on hip and what trends can be labeled as hip. So, you do the math. What do you think is hip? Are designer fashions hip because they are inaccesible or as Havrilesky points out, is that notion dying down? Do celebrities make styles more hip because of their popularity and attention or vice versa? Are "knock offs" just as hip as the originals? In this blog, you will find all of the essentials and knowledge that you could need to make this decision for yourself. So, go ahead, be a hip scout and see what you think.
Work Cited
“Chic Thrills” Ed. John Davidson. 2005 21 April 2007 <(http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=160522005)>.
“Designer Envy: Knock It Off” Ed. Gregory Lions. 2006 21 April 2007<http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/10905/modelling/designer_envy_ knock_it_off.html>
“Great Taste, Less Thrilling”. Ed. Heather Havrilesky 2004 23 April 2007 <http://archive.salon.com/people/feature/1999/10/07/taste/index.html>.