Today seems to be copycat day. First we had Zara Spring 2009 designer knockoffs and now I stumble upon Bebe’s Spring 2009 preview with LOADS of “inspired by“-pieces from big names like Balmain (of course!), Louis Vuitton (sure!), Stella McCartney (again!), Alexander Wang (yeah!), Valentino (always!) and Christian Louboutin (not one to forget!). And these are just the ones I spotted. Who knows how many are left unidentified.
Let’s start with the Miami Vice look. I instantly thought of Alexander Wang’s Spring 2009 blazer/shorts combo when I saw the pink blazer, then my eyes went down to the shoes which are an almost identical version of Stella McCartney’s Spring 2009 mesh heels. And finally a bag k/o which looks very much like the Valentino sequin satin glamorous tote recently seen on Victoria Beckham and Fergie.
Alexander Wang Spring 2009 vs. Bebe vs. Valentino & Stella McCartney Spring 2009
Balmain Spring 2009
Balmain gets copied A LOT these days ever since Decarnin took the lead design for the French fashion house. Not only did Bebe rip off the famous studded and rhinestoned sandals (also copied by Zara and Aldo,) but they borrowed some of the dress styles, too.
Balmain Spring 2009 vs. Bebe vs. Balmain Spring 2009
Balmain Spring 2009 vs. Bebe vs. Balmain Spring 2009
Louis Vuitton Spring 2009
Bebe has taken a lot of inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s African Safari collection (Spring 2009) as well. There are no 100% matches, but the look and feel of the Bebe items are very Louis Vuitton-ish. The standout LV heels have made quite a statement in the fashion world as a lot of celebrities rocked them recently, so Bebe did their best to deliver “low”-cost fashion to the masses I guess.
Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 vs. Bebe Spring 2009
Christian Louboutin
These badass Louboutins are a must-have shoe this season. Celebrities like Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez have been wearing this style and helped propel this shoe to super stardom. Of course, Bebe did not want to miss out on this shoe obsession, so they created the “Delaney” sandal, a watered-down version of the buckled Louboutin.
Bebe Delaney Sandal ($159) vs. Christian Louboutin Multi-Buckle Sandals ($1.495)
So, what do you think? Do you like the Bebe knockoffs or do you prefer the real thing? If you find more designer references, please drop me a line (profashionelle[at]gmail.com).
Loading ...Most of the items haven’t hit the shelves yet, but expect them to be up for sale in a few days and I’m pretty sure the knockoffs, especially the Balmain-esque rhinestone stilettos will be sold out fast. I will let you guys know when these are available online, so if you haven’t subscribed via E-Mail yet, now is the time to do so.
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The studded dress and safari thing look nothing like the other images. Runway shows are supposed to be for inspiration and thats what bebe did. They didn’t copy anyone.