Chanel Withdraws Bracelets Amongst Copyright Controversy

Yesterday, Fashionista posted an Adventures in Copyright which pointed out that the crystal cuffs from Chanel’s fall show looked a lot like some Pamela Love made last year as part of her fall 2011 collection. Fashionista reached out to both Chanel and Pamela Love for comment and while Pamela Love chose not to comment, Chanel got back to us with the following statement:

For the A/W 2012 collection, Karl Lagerfeld was inspired by the ‘mineral earth’ theme that explored amethyst, crystal and quartz. The theme was captured by the design of the show which included a runway of white granite sand, by the setting which featured huge crystal and amethyst columns, and by the clothing which was in earthy hues of purple, blue and gray. In keeping with the inspiration, large and colorful crystals also adorned some of the clothing and accessories, including heavy bracelets. It has been brought to our attention that some of the bracelets that appeared in the show may resemble those of another designer. Out of respect for the concerns raised and for the artistic process generally the House has decided not to offer these bracelets for sale as part of the A/W 2012 collection.

Creative coincidence? The bracelets in the Chanel autumn/winter 2012-13 show (above) are remarkably similar to those by upcoming designer Pamela Love (below)

 

Good for Chanel for withdrawing the bracelets, although I do think that this is a bit of a grey area. Love doesn't own the design or idea of crystals on bracelets, and ideas are often recycled. However, this is not the first time that Chanel has been in hot water for copying a bracelet design. In 2007, Chanel was accused of copying Jessica Kagan Cushman's scrimshaw bracelets. 

 Fans of Kagan Cushman quickly noticed, saying "It is such a blatant knockoff of such a cool bracelet. I own the real thing made of mammoth tusk NOT plastic. Girls, please don't wear these instead go to Barneys and get the real thing by Jessica Kagan Cushman!"

Despite the editorial support and the copyright protection available to jewelry, the designer had little legal recourse.  The mere idea of inscribing words on a bracelet can't be protected, and Chanel's black .plastic is unlikely to mistaken for ivory.  Jessica, however, still managed to get the last laugh: Chanel on the left, Kagan Cushman on the right