The Eleventh Commandment: Thou Shall Not Purchase Knock-Offs

We are sure that at this point that you have all heard of the latest in imposture fashion scandals:

Alexander McQueen is suing Steve Madden for ripping off his design, the "Faithful" Bootie.

The Madden knock off is identical in style and shape, with its only differences being the quality of the material and of course, the price tag.

McQueen’s lawyers said it best: “‘In fact, the only design element of the ‘Faithful Bootie’ that Madden did not deliberately copy is the zipper pull that contains the ‘Alexander McQueen’ trademark.’”

This latest situation has sparked a lot of controversy with fashionistas everywhere as the fake and knock off business remains booming without any legal repercussions. Upon further inspection, we have decided that the Madden Bootie is, simply put: a blatant knock off…which got our thoughts rollin’ on the current state of the pseudo-fashion industry…

In recent times New York City has stepped up its game on fining and arresting those creating and selling fake handbags but still, there has yet to be a federal law put in place to prevent clothing designs from being copied.

And the Big Apple’s actions seem outdated and lackluster when compared to countries such as Italy and France, where the business of all things counterfeit is not only illegal for those who produce them, but if caught, consumers themselves may face a fine or even an a little time behind bars.

We here at Cece Feinberg PR find such immoral activities atrocious, perhaps it is easy to justify the purchase of a knock off when comparing it to the exorbitant price of the original, but what many do not seem to be aware of are the serious repercussions that follow each purchase.

For instance: did you know that the profits made from selling these knockoffs often fund terrorist activities and organized crime rings?

And forget that fact that it is both child and slave labor forces that are used to make and transport these items, and remind yourself that it is simply morally incorrect!

There is a difference between being “inspired” or using certain stylish elements, and blatant copying. In this case, Madden is a cheater.

So, should you ever be on a casual stroll and find yourself eyeing the latest knock off it-bag and wondering who would ever know?! …
…We command you to repent and repeat: “We Do Not Cheat Our Way Through Fashion!”