Nine West has shamelessly taken a page from Christian Louboutin's design book with this platform peep-toe pump ('Raven' Boutique 9 by Nine West, $145), shown first, which looks very similar to the iconic Louboutin Very Privé Slingback style (version shown-Glitter Patent Slingback, $760), shown second below.
The styling of the slingback itself is different: the cut and also Nine West uses a small metal buckle whereas Louboutin uses elastic. And of course, no red sole on the Nine West.
I guess it's great to have "the look for less" option available to people who don't want to or can't spend $760 for shoes. But this also illustrates the divisive topic of intellectual property rights for design. It just doesn't seem right to financially reward companies who knock-off. But then again it's hard to say that two designers couldn't have both had the same idea.
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