Coincidence… or Evidence Corporate Super Spies?

As we prepare for the annual SIA convention in Vegas, I have been thinking about trends that I noticed last year that I meant to get around to writing about.  One thing that was amusing… I kept running into things that are oddly similar.  Ranging from designs that are similar just in their general concept, to items that can only be differentiated by button placement.  The more you see, the more you start to wonder if these things are copies, knock-offs, or just bizarre coincidence.  Maybe the designers are all friends, and accidentally let their ideas slip while out for after work cocktails?  Or maybe the limited fabrics available from manufacturers cause different brands to wind up with the same thing accidentally? 

Here’s some notable examples of what I’m talking about…

All in a Name?
First up we have Sessions “Window Plaid” (below left) vs. Betty Rides “Window Pane” (below right). And similarities don’t end with the name.  Both jacket’s feature street-inspired cuts, big metal buttons, and pastel fabrics with subtle white striping.

Haha You’re So Funny!
I find it a bit hard to believe that Burton and ThirtyTwo coincidentally came up with this joke boot design the same season, so I’m picturing a bunch of people in a bar talking about how hilarious it would be if someone made a snowboard boot look like a ski boot.  Meanwhile, designers from Burton and ThirtyTwo are studiously taking notes.  Either that or someone’s a copy cat.  We’ve got the ThirtyTwo Fruitboot (left) and the Burton Ozone (right).

Any others that I should add?

Posted by Kelly Vance on 01/15