Marc Jacobs may design for Louis Vuitton, but that doesn't mean he has the same views as the legal department when it comes to knock-offs. In fact it's the complete opposite!
In an interview with Teen Vogue the designer had this to say about seeing strangers wearing his designs:
To me, it's the greatest compliment. Even when I see a copy, something that's inspired by something I've done, it's a rewarding feeling. Because that's why I do what I do. It was never my desire to revolutionize fashion, to make clothes that could be in a museum. I want to create clothes that have a certain style, but I want to see them used. I want to see people enjoy the things I've made.
Maybe the suits do see it as a compliment. A compliment with a nice price tag attached to it!
Wow! that is a a very interesting stand taken by Marc Jacobs.
So he considers replicas as flattery, not a stealing of ideas
__________________ My Wish List: Gucci 1800 series Ladies Gold Tone Watch with Leather Strap
Coach Daphne Diamond SS watch
RM Stud Devotee in Wine - gunmetal hardware
Treesje Asher in Black
Michael Kors Uptown Astor Tote with gold hardware
I guess it is confusing because he uses the words "copy" and "inspired by" in the same sentence. Copy would mean a replica whereas inspired would be something that has similar styling but is not identical, nor bears his name.
I don't think he put that much thought into his statement. In hindsight he may wish to rephrase it!!!
__________________ My Wish List: Gucci 1800 series Ladies Gold Tone Watch with Leather Strap
Coach Daphne Diamond SS watch
RM Stud Devotee in Wine - gunmetal hardware
Treesje Asher in Black
Michael Kors Uptown Astor Tote with gold hardware
Hasn't MJ always had this opinion? I think he told Oprah once that being copied by someone is the highest form of flattery. I think the way it is stated here is misleading. I don't believe he is in support of the counterfeit industry.
I think he is okay with knock-offs themselves because of what they mean about his designs (inspiring, coveted, etc.) but that doesn't mean he actively supports it or its industry.