Zara dress (sold out, similar here) // YSL bag ($70 version here and here)
Quay sunglasses (similar here) // Celine mules ($25 version here)

I have a confession.  I have a love/hate relationship with Zara.

On one hand, I love that they carry on-trend pieces at super reasonable price points.  On the other hand, I hate that literally every design they carry is a blatant knock-off of a designer original.  Anyone remember the City Lights collection?  They practically copied the entire Balenciaga and Gucci F/W17 lines down to the stitch.

Zara is no stranger to intellectual property theft.  While it’s one thing to copy retail giants like Gucci, there’s added salt to the wound when they take advantage of the little guy.

If you’re a close follower of fashion news, you’re familiar with the Tuesday Bassen case.  Tuesday, who designs cheeky pins and patches, noticed the fast fashion giant was knocking off her designs without contacting her to license the rights.  What followed was a lengthy David vs. Goliath lawsuit, and sadly, she’s not the only indie artist with this story.  The list is long.

Then there’s the environmental impact.  Fast fashion accounts for massive amounts of waste per year, not to mention the inefficient use of energy.  And by purchasing clothes from Zara and its counterparts, we’re perpetuating a cycle that continually strains scarce resources.

Time to get real

I’ll be the first to admit I own pieces from Zara.  The dress I’m sharing with you today is Zara.  I purchased it for my baby shower.  An 80’s theme party, I needed something affordable that fit my growing belly and paid homage to the decade.  When I found this dress with massive shoulder pads and a bold, graphic print for only $17.99, I knew it was the perfect piece.

In an effort to upcycle, I didn’t want it to be a one and done item.  Thus, it’s making its debut on the blog.

But where do I draw the line?

I’m still battling with that question.  While I make an effort to avoid Zara, I find myself popping in to window shop every now and then.  What starts as excitement for all the amazing designs I see, quickly turns into disdain.  It’s like lipstick on a pig.

“Ooh, I love that top.”

“Wait, didn’t I see this exact top in Jacquemus’ last collection?”

As I take a closer look at the items in my hand waiting to be tried on, a pattern emerges.  Balenciaga, Celine, Gucci.  I’ve seen it all before.  It quickly loses its luster.  Originality and (sadly) exclusivity are what make fashion tick.

So the question remains.  Are designer knock-offs that strain the environment worth it?

Where do you stand?

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