Style Fix

Creative rights are hard lines to draw in artistic fields. When a designer creates a dress, how much can they claim to be original? Choosing the color blue has been done before, so has a plunging neckline. Post award shows you can find imitations of all the red carpet gowns for one-tenth the price from labels other than the original designer’s. How do the designers feel in all of this?

Well we at least know how Jessica Kagan Cushman feels.

The one-of-a-kind, couture jewelry maiden has been the buzz of bracelet world over the past year. Cushman’s latest line is that of mammoth ivory (all collected from preserved tusks of animals that died naturally from 10,000 to 40,000 years ago), scrimshaw, phrase bangles. The fun sayings include inspirations from The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, New York graffiti, and simply being an independent woman. I must say, it was refreshing not to see a designer expecting me to plaster a sleazy sexual innuendo on my body.

No controversy yet. The bracelets were doing well, hitting stores, magazines, and wrists.

Chanel then showed off their new “it” bracelets in March: a Chanel quote carved into resin for $600, and they had a waiting list already.

In the past, people have written quotes and sayings on bracelets - just take the “Live Strong” trend for example. Why is this suddenly considered a direct copy? My debate for that would go on for a while. Instead let me finish the designer drama for you.

Jessica got mad; then she got even; then she one up-ed them.

First, there was a classy “Ripped off by CHANEL” bangle, with Chanel written in the designer’s exact font. This move? childish, but made a statement. Even better though, Cushman began designing her own carved resin wrist jewelry for $130 - pocket change compared to Chanel’s version.

Are you following so far? Cushman designs expensive, quality bracelet. Chanel copies with cheaper material. Cushman responds with cheaper price.

Now, however, Forever 21 has jumped on the writings-on-your-wrist bandwagon. Now Cushman has more press than ever, but she also has more direct copies/competitors.

The bracelet is cute, the sayings clever. But the controversy? Well, creative rights are a hard line to draw.

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