FOREVER 21 = FOREVER COPYING?
Monday, February 25, 2008
The general Forever 21 consumer sees the retail chain as a trendy affordable place to shop, however radar magazine recently took readers inside Forever 21 and their many piracy disputes. This includes huge lawsuits from Diane von Furstenberg, and Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers.
Does Forever21 look to gain from making making off of other people’s designs?
L: DVF dress R: Forever21’s copy | StealstyleThe company has no famous designers or ad budget, nor a single public relations flack. Yet its revenue topped $1 billion in 2006, catapulting Forever 21 into the ranks of the top 500 privately held companies in the United States.
In just five years, it has quadrupled in size, crushing competitors like Rampage and Gadzooks—and is putting the squeeze on mighty retailers like the Gap. In 2001, the house that khakis built posted a $7.7 million loss, while Forever 21 boasted 64 percent growth in revenue thanks to 36 new stores sprinkled across the country.
How did an operation founded by poor Korean immigrants and headquartered in L.A.’s sweatshop district so rapidly become a player in an industry dominated by huge European conglomerates? Its founders chalk it all up to hard work and a frugal corporate culture. Others allege outright design theft. In the past year, the company has faced more than two dozen federal lawsuits for piracy, brought by labels including Anna Sui, Diane von Furstenberg, and Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers, along with a raft of fabric manufacturers.
Radar also gave a closer look to the owners of Forever21, a religious Korean married couple out of Los Angeles (which would explain the biblical reference on F21’s shopping bags):
(L) Forever 21 copies a Kate Moss Top Shop creation (R)At the center of the storm are Do Won “Don” Chang and his wife, Jin Sook, the ferociously private, deeply Christian couple who founded the store 24 years ago. “In L.A.’s Korean community they’re a constant topic of gossip and speculation. Everyone has a story about being screwed by them,” says a local fashion player. “But you have to admire their success. People join their church just to get close to them,” he adds…
Compared to their attention-addicted fashion-world colleagues, the Changs are careful to maintain a low profile. There is exactly one photograph of them available online. Last year, after consenting to an in-person interview with the New York Times, they unexpectedly sent a proxy instead. (The surprised reporter described the substitute interviewee as having “a born-again zeal.”) Still, despite their best efforts, the intensely private pair have become a hotly discussed topic in L.A.’s close-knit apparel industry.
It also explains how Forever 21 can almost get away with making identical designs from other brands:
(L) Forever 21 copies a Marc Jacobs handbag (R)The variations and permutations that define fashion—hemlines, stitches, sleeves—sit outside of U.S. copyright law; only logos and brand names are protected. “Just about every other area of creativity gets some kind of protection. Fashion design gets next to none.” says Susan Scafidi, a professor of copyright law at Fordham Law School who runs counterfeitchic.com. “And Forever 21’s rip-offs are, in many cases, extremely blatant.”
But while the designs aren’t protected, the original fabric prints may be. Which is why, when Forever 21 produced a rose-patterned dress clearly “inspired” by a Betsey Johnson original in 2007, Betsey Johnson, Inc., didn’t sue. Instead, Carole Hochman Design Group, the Johnson vendor that actually created the pattern, took Forever 21 to court.
In a bid to curtail copycats, Representative William Delahunt introduced the Design Piracy Prohibition Act in 2007. As president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Diane von Furstenberg is a key proponent of the legislation. Oddly enough, though, she’s also one of the few claimants to have settled with Forever 21, under undisclosed terms in September.
It’s a nice length piece but, a great read for fashion heads and/or those who shop at the store. It may even change your outlook on shopping there - or maybe not. Read the full article here.
106 Comments
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76.
Young Hollywood
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
Forever 21’s clothing looks better than the original Designer’s!!!!!
77.
southern_queen
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
I recently went shoping in Forever 21 for the first time and I love their clothing especially the jewelry. I wasn’t aware that they are copying ANY designers. Which BTW doesn’t change my mind at all,I have always shopped their site and have found lots of items that I would love to have. I got a huge tote bag that I LOVE carrying! Not to mention the have a huge variety,including “Hello Kitty” which my teenager hearts!
Forever 21 ROCKS-LOL!
Hell their NOT the only store that does this! I have seen Ed Hardy “knock offs” at GoJane.com
78.
PROVOST...
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
#71, ARCHERA:
YES, every woman has a right to look good. I support you in exercising that right. Under no circumstances, however, do you have the right to take part in the theft of intellectual property. That such an act is not considered a high crime anymore signifies just how much art and thought as a way of life is doomed in this age.
79.
Tatiana
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
ROFL @ # 72…thats EXACTLY where all those clothes are coming from…I’m a native Brooklynite so I know the Canal-Street-Shuffle when i see it. LOL.
80.
bklyn-bella
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
so damn what not everyone can afford the clothes the others are putting out so why not get the knock-off from forever 21
81.
Lori
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
Oh well I’m still going to shop there. As a broke college student, I can afford to buy a really cute outfit that looks high end for under $100. I wonder if H&M has some lawsuits because they seems to imitate high end designers also…even so I’m still shopping there to!
82.
Icu2
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
I don’t shop at F21, but I do agree with a few posts that mention that what F21 is illegal. Everyone is talking about well they are cheap, which means you support the manner it is produced (sweatshops anyone?). There is a reason why clothes are expensive and fashion designers are trying to do honest work. Some of you don’t realize that Koreans are running your neighborhoods, not You (Black America). I hear too much of people complaining about finding jobs, well why don’t you create one.
83.
Im the only polar bear up in this bitch
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
Really? I luv Forever 21, thats my store, damn shame tho.
84.
Tiff
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
who cares I love forever 21..especially if i need a quick top for an event! I dont feel like spending 40-50 bucks on top
85.
mimi1
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
I got a top from F21 and seen a soap star rockin the same top I brought.
86.
hood_shit
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
Taking someone else’s hard work and copying it is bullshit and never CHIC or FASHIONABLE! As a creative person (not a designer), I fel that’s disrespectful and bullshit!
87.
The Wire is Ending!! Nooooooooo!
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
As a journalist–therefore I don’t make much money–I love Forever 21! There clothes are, suprisingly, well-made. I have bought tons of blouses from H &M and within a year they start to fall apart. I have some frocks from Forever 21 that has lasted nearly 5 years. Cheap, fashionable, and well-made..you can’t beat that!!!
To fashion designers: I understand your pain. If you want to sue the knock off companies–then sue them. It’s your right. This issue mirrors music piracy.
88.
The Wire is Ending!! Nooooooooo!
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
As a journalist–therefore I don’t make much money–I love Forever 21! Their clothes are, suprisingly, well-made. I have bought tons of blouses from H &M and within a year they start to fall apart. I have some frocks from Forever 21 that has lasted nearly 5 years. Cheap, fashionable, and well-made..you can’t beat that!!!
To fashion designers: I understand your pain. If you want to sue the knock off companies–then sue them. It’s your right. This issue mirrors music piracy.
89.
TK
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
oh wow I always shop there. speaking of that I have 150 dollar gift card.
Too bad the website has been acting funky for me lately.
90.
li
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
no one will probably read this, but that is so old news. Every trendy retailer like Wet Seal Forever 21 The Rave Rampage Gadzooks, and even retail stores that have no real rememberable names they go and get sample sized clothing and they recreate the looks. I learned it in my Business of Fashion class but there can’t be too much done because if they change the look even by the slightest smidge its not considered “theft” which ofcourse is dumb, but the Fashion Industry is about money and hypnotizing the consumers to make them thinnk they want to buy this because its trendy, Zara does it too but not as obvious, most of these stores have to make knock offs to stay in business because consumers are looking to the runways for trends and want to wear what they see on the runways but they want it at affordable costs. old news.
91.
Jasmine
Monday, February 25, 2008 /
i love forever 21. i cant sit there and spend $1,000 on a bag when i can get one just as cute for $35. sometimes their replica is cuter than the original designers. even inf forever 21 wasn’t around, i still wouldn’t be caughin up all that money for a bag or some shoes…no matter how bad my obsession is lol
92.
imnew
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
Everyone keeps badmouthin forever 21. Well wet seal and charlotte russe are on the same field. Some of the stuff will fall apart after a couple washes and some of the stuff will last for a long time. Nothing is forever anyway. People who buy into labels are funny to me. People dont care nearly as much about how expensive your outfit is as you think they do
93.
PopRotzi DL
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
Those big designers need to chill, it’s not like F21 is encroaching on their target audience. Paris Hilton is not going to run to Forever for the knock off Marc Jacobs bag, she’s going to get the actual one. I can’t remember the last time I saw a picture of the rich and famous rummaging the racks of Forever 21. It all comes down to money and if the Changs aren’t preventing other designers from getting theirs than leave em alone.
94.
pgcogirl
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
everytime i watch E! or the Style Network, or any of those Celeb shows, they are always showing designers who copy the Celebrity gowns for less of a price. The only reason why people are upset in this case is because they are making a lot of money.
This should be a wake up call for these clothing companies. Start making clothing at a more affordable price.
95.
Mo
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
I don’t see a problem with it, that’s just like Steve Madden knocking off all the YSL, Christian Louboutin, and the list goes on and on. Who cares, we obviously can’t afford the $1000 dresses, that’s what they get for not making clothes that are affordable for middle class America! Get over it!
96.
styleAMMO
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
Its funny that you’re calling out F21 but in every fashion spread you do its purely F21 or Neiman Marcus…which is a contradiction in itself…F21 makes copies just like EVERY mid range retail store does..keeps ppl affordably chic
styleAMMO
styleammo.blogspot.com
97.
foxxy380*THEY B LIKE YEAHHHH WHEN THEY SONG COME ON
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
……………What’s up with CL? Why do the posts keep getting cut off at the left
…………….margin? Step your game back up CL. You loosing us here.
98.
lissa
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
don’t you get it? making a knock off so people who love the fashions can buy? im sorry but i love forever 21 and so do all my friends. at least they’re not taking gucci or something like that and putting their name on it!
99.
uhm... what!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
please… like this is news!! forever 21 has always been a ripoff.. that place you go to get cute clothes at extremely sheap prices. it’s for poor people like us so everyone just needs to shut up and live with it!!!
ok i’m just kidding. lol. but for real now…
100.
Likeabite
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 /
i don’t think it’s a publicity stunt as to why the forever21.com ad is on this page. Rather it’s a way for CL to get paid and for people to look more into the store if they wish. It’s one thing to have knockoffs but it’s a whole other ballgame to make a knockoff and call it something else. Downright low!
101.
yes
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 /
im wit 5, 6 & 7
102.
augusta
Saturday, March 1, 2008 /
you took the words right outta my mouth #8.
103.
stephanie
Saturday, October 11, 2008 /
i love forever 21.thats all i have to say
104.
stephanie
Saturday, October 11, 2008 /
i love forever 21 .thas all i have say
105.
tabormary
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 /
For those who bash Don Chang and Forever 21, you have no clue.
Trying suing them, you won’t win at all, period.
Good luck to Gap, Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe, you guys are all going down hill, will go bankrupt very soon.
Forever 21 will dominate very soon, if you don’t believe it, just check out the massive sizes of their store in every city.
Go ahead and talk about them, all you are doing is making them famous.
106.
Harlow
Friday, January 23, 2009 /
Hey, I’m in my twenties and I quit shopping there because the service sucks. Most of the clothes that I bought there either ripped, faded or shrinked or gathered mold. I had a rich friend say,” A rich classy girl would never shop at Forever 21.”
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