Hey Zara, That Looks a Little Too Familiar...

Here's a drinking game: Take a shot every time a fast fashion brand copies a high fashion brand.

Let's start by stating the obvious. There is a reason why fashion fashion is cheap. Fast fashion is the concept of brands producing new styles in line with the latest trends, particularly from off the runway. Since trends tend to only last a season or two, these collections must be produced as quickly as possible. This means that clothes are mass-produced and sold in relatively low prices for their customers. Fast Fashion often means forced labour and in no shape or form is it good for us or our planet. 

 

Here's a prime example. On the left, we have the classic Miu Miu ballet flats. On the right, we have Zara's ballet flats.

Don't get me wrong, you will probably catch me purchasing the Zara's ballet flats this season, purely because they're the type of shoes I would find myself wearing. At the end of the day, we are victims of our own devices. I do not and will never support the concept of Fast Fashion, but being a middle class 17 year old, I don't have the choice of purchasing goods from high fashion brands. 

Another example: On the left, Zara City Chain Bag. On the right, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag.

The fact that practically identical copies of high fashion designs are available on the high street for a cheaper amount makes their products less desirable. Other than that, the concept of fast fashion itself is degrading for hardworking designers. Why should a designer have their designs stolen so that it can be made and sold cheaply by someone else? What the fashion industry needs is some originality.