BagBible

This Gucci bag is definitely praiseworthy.  When I fist saw this bag, I did not expect that this was in fact a Gucci bag.  Without the monograms, the fringes, and the red and green stripes, I just didn’t recognize it. This is good: I like it when designers do something out of the ordinary. It keeps the collection fresh and interesting.

I like the rich texture of the python.  The horsebit detail adds interest to the simple and elegant  shape of the bag.  This looks like a chic casual bag. The 18¼”W X 14½”H X 4½”D measurements, certainly make it functional. Because of the slouchy shape and leather, petites will also look good wearing this.

Don’t worry about blending with the wall wearing this simple shaped black bag, the python reminds us that it is a special bag.  This bag is all about the python and it will definitely stand out.

I think Gucci reminds us once again why it is an icon label.  Buy this from Saks for $3,295.

I like the look of this Gustto bag: The color and the hardware are beautiful. However, I’m not so sure about the embossed paisley.  Whenever I see paisley, I’m always thinking of the word “old” and “grandma”.  Maybe my style is too minimalistic, since I rarely like anything with a pattern, unless it is absolutely fabulous. I know Gustto has a plainer version (without the embossed paisley) of this model.

This bag measures 17″W x 10.5″H x 4″D, big enough for carrying your essentials plus some more.  The shoulder strap is always a nice option when you need both of your hands. For the quality, Gustto bags are really well made, just like the other contemporary designers.

You can buy Gustto Fiore from Bloomingdale’s for $645.

Now, as for the similarity with Gucci Hysteria, I wouldn’t say that they are identical twins, but they are definitely fraternal twins, don’t you think?  The shillouete, the hardware, the handles, and the detachable shoulder straps are very similar.  The Gucci Hysteria is a little bit smaller than the Gustto Fiore.  It measures only 15″L x 11.4″H.

I prefer the Gustto hardware over the Gucci because t looks cleaner without the logo.  However, I like the pleats on the Hysteria better.

The Gucci Hysteria retails for $1,695, it is $1,050 more than the Gussto.  I would definitely choose the Gussto since I’m not brand obsessed.  I will gladly wear the lesser brand as long as it has good quality, but I would avoid Target look alikes.  Which one would you choose?

Gucci Hysteria image from Nordstrom

NEW YORK, May 6 (Reuters) – Italian fashion house Gucci sued rival fashion and leather goods label Guess Inc. on Wednesday, claiming it copied a dress design and several trademarked logos.

Gucci accused Guess Inc (GES.N) of imitating trademarked designs, including a green and red stripe, a repeated interlocking GG mark and stylized G mark it emblazoned on accessories like handbags, belts, gloves, watches and glasses.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Manhattan federal court and seeks unspecified monetary damages, also accused Guess of copying a dress featuring an interlocking GG diamond motif.

“Rather than going through the effort and expense of developing and creating their own unique designs, defendants have chosen to target Gucci by knowingly and slavishly replicating Gucci’s world famous design elements and designations,” the lawsuit said.

Article from Reuters

After reading that news article I immediately thought about Target. I’ve seen so many copycat designer handbags sold on Target. They are not counterfeits, since they use their own brand. However, the designs of the Target bags are almost identical to the high end designer bags. I am aware that Target has been collaborating with many designers in producing affordable designer goods, but this is not it.

Here are some examples:

Louis Vuitton Mahina Copycat from Target	Louis Vuitton Mahina
Image from Target	Image from Momist
Chloe Paraty Python Copycat from Target	Chloe Paraty Phyton Tote
Image from my camera	Image from Net-A-Porter

I can’t help but wonder: Is it ok for Target to sell these bags? Where do you draw the line between counterfeits and copycat?