INSPIRATION VS IMITATION | Where Is The Line??? Prada vs The Row Margaux | Lela Sophia

What are your thoughts on imitation vs inspiration??
Shop lelasophiajewelry.com and receive 10% off of your entire order with code LSJKZbin
xx
lelasophiajewe...
Shop my LTK for specific details and links to my favorite items!!
www.shopltk.co...
As always I am wearing my Léla Sophia everyday pieces. Check out my website lelasophiajewe... and make sure to follow me on Instagram, @lelasophiajewelry, and on TikTok, @lelasophiajewelry!!
Shop my Amazon Storefront for my favorite products!
www.amazon.com...
What I’m Wearing -
Léla Sophia Jewelry - lelasophiajewe...
Necklaces -
Orchid Necklace
lelasophiajewe...
Akham(wise) w/ Diamonds
lelasophiajewe...
Jumbo Epithet Medallion
lelasophiajewe...
Large Calla Lily
lelasophiajewe...
Ear Cuffs -
lelasophiajewe...
Rings -
Aljana(heaven) Ring
lelasophiajewe...
Calla Lily Ring
lelasophiajewe...
‘Ubri(eternal) Pinky Ring
lelasophiajewe...
Pink Diamond Solitaire Ring I
lelasophiajewe...
Mini Pink Diamond Ring
lelasophiajewe...
Pink Diamond Solitaire Ring III
Jumbo Diamond Solitaire Ring
lelasophiajewe...
Bracelets -
Knife Edge Bangle
lelasophiajewe...
Ruby Open Bangle
lelasophiajewe...
Classic Bangle
lelasophiajewe...
** This video is for entertainment purposes only. Every element of this video is just my own personal opinion and all my thoughts my own.
#lelasophia #luxury #luxuryhandbags #shopping #luxurybags #luxurybagcollection #finejewelry #finejewelrycollection #bagcollection

[@MarysRoom]

Prada has always been a brand that aesthetic-wise I should vibe with, but I do think there are business practices that I find really shady. This being another example. I do agree, they did this because they can. Prada is a mega multi-billion $$$, compared to The Row which is a smaller independent house in the lower hundred-millions. If The Row did try to go to court, Prada would have more resources and if they don’t, they get to cash in on The Row’s success. It’s a win-win for Prada and is frankly in line with Prada’s behaviour towards rising competitors, beat them or buy then destroy them (in case of Jil Sander). This move has cemented why I'm never going to be a Prada-girl, even though I love some of their stuff in the 90s. Maybe preloved. But fully agree there needs to be a line drawn somewhere. Loved this video❤❤❤

[@lelasophia]

I 1000000000% agree!!!!!!!!! That’s the argument that really got to me… they did it because they knew they could 😅☺️ It’s sad to me because again, the new re-edition duffle bag is FAB; but at the end of the day I’ve never bought a Prada bag and most likely never will because of all the reasons you stated. However, this is horrible I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I did feel the Prada bag that looks like The Row Devin a couple days ago at BG… and immediately though “this leather/quality has NOTHING on The Row”. The Row will always have superior leather quality in my mind, and for that, and countless other reasons, I will always and forever be a client of The Row 🖤 I understand why Prada uses the very heavily coated leather that they do (it makes them extremely durable and probably lessens the “wear and tear” return arguments). However, as soon as I experienced and wore a bag from The Row I’ve been completely turned off by other leather types from different brands. Truly nothing compares for me personally 🩶 (aside from Hermès of course but that goes without saying)

[@Lucretciela]

I couldn't agree with you more. It's a rather sad move on Prada's part, and a move a little too late. The Margaux is so out there now, it's being talked about soo much, carried around by the "it girls", so it's not as if Prada is getting away with such a blatant move without notice. We all see what they did, and it's very tarnishing to Prada's brand.

[@lelasophia]

@Lucretciela you’re so so right!!!! It’s such a shame, especially because Prada has so many iconic vintage bag styles 😫 Honestly it only makes me appreciate the brands I love more. The Row especially will always be The Row 🖤 The fact that they can both make incredibly artistic designs that may have elements of vintage styles from other brands, while also continuing to be innovative/unique and always seek higher and higher quality 😍😍😍😍 they just continue to solidify their spot as my favorite brand 🩶

[@rowceo]

Babe wake up!!! Léla Sophia posted!!!

[@lelasophia]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 something so simple truly just made my entire day!!!!!! Not me blushing at this comment 🥹☺️😊🥰😍

[@demi-pointenoir]

This is very interesting because it seems as if the criteria previously used to define ‘luxury’ (eg. house code, quality, creativity, seasonal inspiration, slow production) has now been reduced to a kind of ‘Coke vs Pepsi vs any cola’ choice- Every brand at every level creates a ‘trend’ bag/shoe and you choose based on your loyalty to the brand/logo only! Umm - is this another example of ‘Luxury Losing its Lustre’? Thanks again for starting this conversation ❤️🌈

[@lelasophia]

Omgggg as per usual you bring up such amazing points!!!!!!! I had only scratched the surface of what you brought up, but you are completely onto something/correct!!! Even though brands send new items down the runway every season, it’s almost like they now have two strategies… the first being, let’s make a major push for our newest styles and gift them/whatnot to influencers/celebrities and hope the bag/item lands… the second being; if that doesn’t work, let’s try to just magically create an “it” bag out of nowhere 😅🤣😫 As another subscriber brought up, it seems to be either recycled styles or new silhouettes that just don’t look good at all 🥴🫠 I think there are brands like Jacquemus for example, who are actually tastefully pushing the design limits. Bottega as well, but they have even more resources to do so, so I should definitely give more love to the houses creating ultra unique designs 🙏🏼

[@birkinboy3976]

Hey babe I couldn’t agree more as we’ve discussed there’s a fine line between taking a style you’ve loved and had in your personal collection that you pull inspiration from then just a blatant replica with a different logo it’s insane to me but I digress anyway great video as always.💚🤎💚🤎💚

[@lelasophia]

Thank you thank you!!!!!! Right?!?! lol they didn’t even TRY 😅🤣🫠😤 Even though this happens soooo often, there are many current styles I didn’t even mention that have obvious nods to other designers, they’re typically not this obvious so this had to be addressed. Taking inspiration is one thing, but making a whole “copy-paste” bag just because you can??? Disrespectful in another level 😫

[@jacquelinemoss1911]

I was pretty stunned by Prada too but I guess even if they were to get sued it’s still a viable decision for them 🙄 It’s so hard when we spend so much of your money on these pieces and then the creators/ designers etc do something untoward and it completely puts a damper on the pieces that we already own ☹️

[@lelasophia]

You are so right on both accounts!!!!!! I think that’s the part that angered me most about Prada’s decision to release this piece… simply is because they have the money and power to do so with most likely little ramifications 😫

[@jacquelinemoss1911]

@@lelasophia I mean all the brands take inspiration from each other I guess but blatantly copying annoys me too

[@lelasophia]

@jacquelinemoss1911 you’re so right!! After I released this video I saw the new Bottega vanity pouch that is also a DIRECT copy of the Loro Piana Extra Pocket bag and just kind of submitted to exactly what you said. Even though the Prada bag rubbed me completely the wrong way, you’re totally right, it’s hard to know exactly where the line is so best to just trust which piece your drawn to the most I suppose 🤷‍♀️🙈

[@jacquelinemoss1911]

@@lelasophia Yes I saw that too and admittedly I really like it 😍

[@SelinHanim]

I think all brands are guilty of this. When I look at The Row, I see old Hermes styles that aren't so well-known. I guess it's more obvious when the bag style is current otherwise we would have no idea.

[@lelasophia]

I completely agree and you’re 1000% right!! I think one major part that rubbed me the wrong way was there were no artistic liberties taken by Prada in this case. While one can see so many beautiful points of reference or inspiration in bags by The Row, exactly as you said, they’re more often than not either vintage styles (as the ones I touched upon like the Sac Ring) or are lesser known. In the case of Prada, the timing was blatantly strategic and obvious for me personally that they wanted to capitalize off of the success of The Row Margaux 😫

[@Elischarlot]

Wow it's literally the same bag with the brand Prada 😮

[@lelasophia]

Right?!?! It’s pretty mind blowing 🤯🤒

[@CristaStylista]

The Prada bag made me chuckle a bit. Designing to fit over the shoulder was a sneaky, smart tweak. The Lady bag is an exact dupe of the LV Alma, so if The Row sues Prada, they (Prada’s legal team) could definitely present The Row’s past luxury designer inspiration in their defense.

[@lelasophia]

You make such a fair point! There is a newer bag from The Row called the Nina that is more similar in my opinion to the Alma, but the Hermès Bolide came before the LV Alma, so now we’re in a whole chicken race 🤣🤣🤣 I honestly don’t think The Row is litigious, of course I don’t actually know, but I assume they’ll just let this Prada bag style sail by. My overall opinion is completely evolving however 🖤 I’m definitely loving when designs nod to others slightly, but primarily when artistic liberties are taken as well. When it becomes unacceptable to me personally, is when styles are verbatim copied without even trying to make them their own, especially as an attempt to cash in on an “it” bag style 🤒

[@rebeccajames6111]

I think the clasp bag design precedes the Celine version so I have no issues with Saint Laurent doing a version of a clasp bag. It will be interesting to see if the Prada bag sells as I think consumers will prefer The Row. Although I do think the Row designs in a few cases are too similar to the Bolide.

[@lelasophia]

You’re so right about both the clasp bag and The Row!! In the past especially The Row has been more obvious at times with their inspirations, but you’re right, they do continue to occasionally create pieces in a similar vein to Hermès. I appreciate the artistic choices they’ve been making recently especially 🖤 And a very good point!! I’m also very curious to see if the Prada bag actually sells. My gut tells me people who know The Row will stick with The Row, especially since so many more people are aware of it recently 🙏🏼 but I wonder if loyal Prada clients/or clients who are unaware of The Margaux will go for the Prada version 🤔

[@tamikajeanmarie]

I heard a rumor that the Bowling Ball Bag was going to sue the Row for stealing its style and making it boring.

[@lelasophia]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Point well taken 🙈

[@JacquelineB-vs9xx]

Actually , TODs Girelli large tote bag which came out years ago and I still owned looks a lot like The Row Margaux. So, who is copying who?

[@lelasophia]

😳😱🤯 Ohhhhhh I’ve never seen that before but I totally see what you’re saying!!!!! You’re so right, the undertone of the video is hopefully how beautiful inspiration can be, and maybe even if there is a line, it’s very very faint

[@damnpam4680]

I’m going to say this not sure if The Row got their design creativity from other brands but I don’t feel bad for anyone of them after being on TT and seeing how minorities get things stolen from them then after they take it they make more money , brands are pricing out ppl because they really don’t want ppl that’s like me meaning if I want it I have to save for it because I don’t want to charge4-5k on my credit card I rather set a goal but The Row IMO probably get inspired by other things if we really do a deep dive But I get what you’re saying about Prada, but still love your take ? In case I missed it how do you feel about all the dupes for those drop earrings I can’t remember the designer name they are everywhere they want led ppl to pay over 1k for non gold earring crazy side note when they had a line of kids clothes back in the day (2005-205 I think my kids are 25,28 wow this was a long time ago 😂) but it was at Walmart that was the best clothing for girls I had 4 3 or them had Mary Kate & Ashley sweaters and jeans and the corduroy maxi skirts for kids was to die for good good quality but this was when quality was way different I wasn’t a Walmart shopper but their clothes made me buy them

[@lelasophia]

Wow you bring up so many absolutely incredible points!!!!! Thank you first of all!!!! I really relate and appreciate your point about designers stealing/being inspired by minorities. I am trying my hardest to bring forth the most authentic Moroccan designs in my own brand Léla Sophia Jewelry 🤎 As a Moroccan woman myself who’s worked in this industry for over a decade, I’ve seen how the fine jewelry industry is perhaps the most guilty of this (which I rarely speak about because I always try to positively impact, rather than bash other brands). However, the jewelry industry is known for designs being inspired by ancient cultures which aren’t necessarily consistent with the designers own ethnic background, to put it nicely 😅. I’m trying to flip the script and show that designers of color can actually become impactful and bring meaning from our own cultures without taking from others that are not our own 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 On the pricing note, you also make a wonderful point which I’m trying so so hard to break the proverbial glass ceiling of 😍😍😍 Every single luxury house very obviously sells goods at high prices. However, if we as a society as a whole can continue in the direction we’re heading and make fashion more cyclical, there will always be people at the top who buy into retail priced luxury goods, and we as consumers can benefit by buying those same luxury goods pre-loved especially since the market has grown so much 🙏🏼 I buy 90% of my items pre-loved because I simply could not afford to buy luxury any other way. I love doing this because I can then appreciate pieces I LOVED on the runways or in campaigns, but very often for a quarter of the price. I want to show people that luxury doesn’t have to mean that you need to drop $4-$10k on bags every quarter 😅🫠 The only reason I support and love The Row and Bottega Veneta so much is because they are the two brands I believe are actually making goods to the quality deserving of the price tags they are assigned 🙏🏼 The Row actually has a much wider range of pricing on their leather goods than the majority of other houses (other brands have bags around the $1000 mark but they’re often canvas and The Row has the same price range but they offer leather at that price!). Long story long, lol, you make incredibly points and I’m so grateful for your thoughts!!!! P.S. I have to look into the old MK and Ashley kids line!!!! How cute, I never knew that used to exist!!!! 🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@bardopia3732]

Michael kors has gotten away with this for ages! But to the Rows credit, everyone knows they are the design pioneer in this situation. It will be interesting if the fashion girlies on pradas PR will cross the line 🤔

[@lelasophia]

👀🙏🏼 you are so so correct!!!! And honestly I love your point and didn’t even consider if Prada will attempt more sales by gifting the bag 😫😤🫠🤣 You said it though… in this case because it’s sooooooo so obvious, I think most people will know that The Row Margaux came first and won’t even be tempted by the Prada 🖤

[@nickyodujirin]

When I first saw that Prada bag I gasped. Straight up copy of The Row bag. I agree it’s better to kind of remix designs than to copy + paste them.

[@lelasophia]

Crazy right?!?! I had the same reaction 🫠 I really learning to love pieces that draw inspirations from others, but this takes it to a whole other completely unacceptable levels (in my opinion) 😤

[@jaks_bag_attack]

Right ! I was like prada excuse me

[@lelasophia]

Right?!?! Just like that out of nowhere with absolutely zero effort to make it their own 🫠😤🥴

[@SW-fp9pe]

When I saw that Prada bag for the first time I was like wait...what??. That certainly is not inspiration anymore. Designers will always be inspired by something. To turn that inspiration or their interpretation of it into their own design is art or fashion to me. The Row is original, minimal, practical and wearable and often inspired by vintage pieces. But always with a unique and new design that is very now and at the same time timelesss and classic. I think their Abby bag embodies all of that. Just one example. By the way, I loved their latest no phone policy at the fashion show. If I want to wear pieces from certain brands I look at the company as whole. Certain brands have turned me away from fashion. The Row bought me back. I am a very happy customer now😍🤗. Great topic. Thanks😻

[@lelasophia]

You said exactly how I also feel PERFECTLY!!!!!! I could not agree more (and I also loved their latest runway policy… it felt so intimate and refreshing) 🩶🩶🩶 The Row is my favorite brand because it feels so authentic down to its core 🖤 Yesterday I literally scrolled down extremely far on their Instagram, and thought to myself, they have ALWAYS been them, and that’s what I love 😍 I hope the same for myself, even though I’ve probably been made fun of so much for never really changing my style, it’s one of the things I love about the way I exist in this life. Growing and evolving are beautiful things that should be celebrated vs constantly trying to change yourself to fit in or adhere to whatever the current “trend” is; this is exactly what I think Prada has done with these several bags styles that blatantly copy The Row 😫 You’re right, it’s so beautiful and artful when designers take inspiration from other, but exactly as you said, this case is no longer art or fashion 😤

[@DonaLeopoldina-dr4so]

Wow!

[@lelasophia]

🤯🤯🤯

[@anaritavariz7816]

I daw those Prada bags a few weks ago and honeslty...there's no need...Prada has so much beautiful bags in their archives, why doing this???

[@lelasophia]

I couldn’t agree more!!!! They have two brand new re-editions that I LOVE!!! It’s so upsetting because they didn’t need to do this, they simply are capitalizing off of another designers styles 😫

[@annwashington471]

I think all these designers copy each other. Let's be hones most shapes have been done go back to 30's . There is nothing new so they copy, and when they come up with something new it is just ridiculous and most of the time makes no sense.

[@lelasophia]

You’re so so right! I am truly learning to appreciate inspired shapes, I think this was just such a blatant copy that it rubbed me the wrong way because it essentially released out of nowhere (aka they knew the incredibly popularity of the Margaux bag and wanted to get their own piece of the pie). However again, I LOVE Prada’s newest re-released vintage styles 😍 it’s so cool to me when houses reimagine their own past designs 🙏🏼