"Inspired" or just straight up copying?

Working, breathing and living in the fashion industry you often (well, way more than often- try every ten minutes) hear the word "inspired." Desigers are inspired by nature, the street, other designers, movies... the list goes on. But where does the line between inspiration and just straight up copying get blurred? Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee explained to Suzy Menkes from the International Herald Tribune he was "inspired" by the "Frida Khalo movie" to put braids in the hair of all his models during his runway show. Why can't he just say he fully adopted the look?? In fact, why can't all designers just tell it like it is- "Oh yes," says designer X. "I totally copied Valentino circa 1975 for my new collection."  I don't think I would respect a designer any more or less if they were just honest... just sayin'.

Another reason why I love Diane von Furstenberg.

It has nothing to do with her wrap dresses, prints, her ability to revive her brand. It also has nothing to do with her willingness to make time for and do ANY interview with me, or the MAJOR influence she has had on my career as a journalist (for those of you that don't know the story, I will tell you another time.) I love DvF because I just read in Women's Wear Daily she is contemplating writing a book about her late mother, a survivor of three concentration camps. von Furstenberg got the idea after she came across a note written on a piece of cardboard her mom wrote when she was first arrested. Her mom had thrown it on the street with instructions to deliver it to her parents. "It read, (said von Furstenberg to a crowd at her Manhattan studio) ' I don't know where I am going, but I want you to know I am leaving with a smile."

Now that put everything in perspective, doesn't it?

Words of wisdom.

   "For me, it's most important, a vision, determination, and to never say no to yourself. And be open to criticisms, open to learning, and open to criticisms and knowing nothing about the business; nothing, so you can learn everything by knowing nothing, you know, and be successful in the things that you didn't know." - Designer Vivienne Tam in an interview with CNN's Andrew Stevens.

 I've always been a fan of Tam's collections, but this interview made me admire her even more. We need to be reminded that believing in yourself is 99% of achieving your goals. I know I needed to hear it today!!