Hall of Shame: RSVP “Cammy” vs. L.A.M.B. “Tailynn”
As part of our redesign, we wanted to introduce a new feature, The Hall of Shame. The Hall of Shame is reserved to call out shoes that are blatant knockoffs of another designer’s shoe.
At The Shoe Goddess, we have nothing against cheaper brands (even though we mostly write about designer shoes). In fact, I frequently buy inexpensive shoes, but we do have to call out brands that blatantly copy designer shoes! We strongly encourage you to make a stand and not buy knockoffs. There are plenty of inexpensive brands that are creative and original and don’t resort to this shameful “stealing” of ideas and designs.
Our first inductee to the Hall of Shame is RSVP’s “Cammy.” When I first spotted this shoe, I knew without a doubt it was a knockoff of the L.A.M.B. “Tailynn” sandal. This knockoff isn’t the slightest bit subtle. Even the colors are exactly the same! Shame on RSVP!
RSVP Cammy $79 Zappos
L.A.M.B. “Tailynn” $370 Bloomingdale’s
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Comments (19)
I love these kind of posts!
Thanks!! The sad thing is I have no shortage of material to write about, so expect to see lots more in the future, although it’s pretty disgusting to copy someone else’s work!! xoxo, Tyler
Call these copycats out Tyler! I noticed that Bakers is famous for knocking off all things L.A.M.B.
Thanks:) Good to know–I’ll check it out!! xoxo, Tyler
Yeah talk about snobs…did it ever occur to your snottyness that some people may not have the means to shell out $370 for a pair of shoes? Or did it occur that us lowly middle class workers may like those shoes we cannot afford? When I first heard about this website I thought that you were very creative to sell your ‘old’ shoes to give the money to charity…little did I know that you are two faced. You call it ‘Hall of Shame” and that would mean those of us who want to have fashionable shoes CANNOT because someone clones them at lower prices is wrong? It’s not as if they knock it off and then sell it at high end retailers or for the same price, therefore catering to a different class of people.
Hi Roberta
Unfortunately I don’t think you totally understand the meaning of hall of shame, we are not looking down at our readers, we are just trying to protect the creativity and talent of shoe designers that work hard to create a unique design, there is nothing wrong about buying less expensive shoes, but there is no need for those company to knock off other’s people work! do you know how much job are lost over this knock off industry?
One more thing how dare you call me two faced! how much time do you spend helping other people, when is the last time you gave hope to underprivilege women by empowering them ? I bet the answer is never, also for your information I have been teaching for almosy 8 years every week in an after school program in South Central Los Angeles , to people that have been affected by gangs, drugs, abuse.
This website is a non-profit that gives back to children and women in underprivileged area such as South Central Los Angeles, our goal is not to sell or judge but to empower women through our love for art and design.
Cheers
Florencetheshoegoddess
Florence Theshoegoddess
congratulations!!!!! I loved this the copy is not fair!
Totally agree about the copying, but it does make me wonder… how come the very same shoe design can come off so incredibly cheaper?
Well it’s a variety of reasons. Cheaper shoes are usually made in China, rather than say Italy where the craftsmanship is superb. There is a lot that goes into making a shoe, and the process to create the last is incredibly difficult and detailed. Florence can go into more about that. But designer shoes have been crafted very carefully to make sure that they are as comfortable and well made as possible. In addition, they use much finer materials. Now, I’m not going to be naive and not admit that part of what you are paying for is the cache of the brand. But the quality of say YSL or Christian Louboutin is going to be much, much higher than something that costs less than $100 and was made in China. That being said, I think that fashion should be affordable to all, and I buy plenty of cheaper shoes because I can’t afford to buy all the designer shoes I’d like to. We don’t have a problem with inexpensive shoes (and we feature them frequently). Our problem resides in blatant knock-offs. Hope this all makes sense! Thanks for reading! xoxo, Tyler
I agree about the knockoffs: it can also be called counterfeiting, stealing intellectual property, etc., and I would not purchase a true counterfeit-both out of respect for the designer and for the rule of law. But, I agree with Chris-why is the Cammy shoe so much cheaper? I do see differences in these shoes- mostly quality issues. The Cammy, has a much sharper rise in the arch, so the foot is going to be at an extremely uncomfortable angle, the t-strap is not holding its shape, and the crossover straps are attached to the sole much closer to the ball of the foot, so less support; and the color is more a “muddy tan” than bright golden yellow, among other things. However, I am never going to be able to afford a pair of $300 shoes. I’m not going to die without them-or go into debt for them. Nevertheless, like most women, my appearance, (including being able to dress in stylish, comfortable apparel and shoes that are of reasonable quality) is a significant part of my self image and “personal empowerment quotient”. Also, I spend a lot of time helping others in need-I can’t afford to give money, but I do give of my time and knowledge-currently I am working with an adult literacy program, a program that helps undereducated women find better employment (I help them learn how to use a computer); and I help out the pet shelter up the street when they have a huge influx of animals. I also have to work about 50 hours a week to make ends meet, so I don’t think that a desire to wear pretty shoes that don’t hurt my feet is a selfish one. Just some thoughts. Perhaps this blog simply isn’t for me.
Thank you for your response! I completely agree with you, and that’s why we do feature inexpensive shoes as well as designer. Our blog focus is mainly on designer shoes, but we have no problem with cheaper shoes as long as they aren’t knock-offs. There are plenty of unique and very stylish shoes available for much less than say a Christian Louboutin. So we hope you keep reading! I can’t afford to buy as many designer shoes as I like, but it’s still fun to look! xoxo, Tyler
I love everything about shoes. I always have. Like most women, I can’t always afford the designer ones, but I love the quality when I can. I can wear a 6 inch heel comfortably when there is enough support and enough cushion. Something you rarely get in a cheap knockoff. I buy inexpensive shoes, but when I want something to really “Make a Statement” I go all out! Kudo’s to you for showing the difference. Love this site!!!!
Thank you! I really like this. If want buy? I recommend this site: http://www.manysize.com. They are a good seller.
I do not like counterfeits but I bought a pair of Gianni Bini sandals because I liked them, turns out they look like YSL’s Tribute sandal. I can’t see a difference and the quality looks very nice. I am a Louis Vuitton collector (authentic only) and have been for many years. I must say that there is nothing like the quality. I have some pieces that are 6 years old or older and they look fabulous. The stitching is superb. A designer inspired style is fine but to directly steal a whole look is naughty.
As someone with a design degree, I have to say I take INSPIRATION from artists I look up to, but at the VERY LEAST, they could have changed the color. Still, it would be shameful, but to have a carbon copy (with mediocre coloring at that) is an insult and is blatant theft. If I put hours into something as simple as an invitation and someone came along and used a carbon copy to make MONEY off of, I would have worked hard for someone elses benefit. See how that is unfair Roberta? It’s not the price point that is wrong, it is the basically taking credit for anothers work. To make money off of it is plagiarism. I hope this helps in understanding.
HI Melissa,
Well said!
xx
Samantha
I have been working in shoes for about 5 years now and I must say usually the higher the price the better the quality. I can safely say that 98% of the time the higher priced shoe is better quality. I am a student who works part time and needless to say I do not have an extensive shoe budget but when I buy something I opt for quality because I know it is better for my feet and they will last longer. I would rather spend more money on one pair and wear it for a long time then have many cheap pairs that do not last. The trick is to look at shoes as an investment. Bad shoes can create bunions and back problems later on; anyone can read up on it. I see nasty bunions and displaced toes all the time on my older customers so it is important for your health to wear good quality shoes! I cannot stress this enough to my customers and friends. Since I my friends are in their early 20s they do not take me seriously but what else can I do! One day they will learn. For those who are not convinced I suggest you invest in a pair of Stewart Weitzmans on sale they only set you back 200$ and it is well worth every penny. The comfort and quality is undeniable.
Cheap shoes are usually not leather, they are cheaply glued together, have cheap plastic heals that are not put on straight and leave you unbalanced, the instep has no cushioning, the construction is flawed, they just don’t cut it. Please Ladies: Treat your feet with some respect!
I must say that when I say this I was kind of upset: http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2007/03/28/diane-von-furstenberg-sues-forever-21/
The knock off and the designer both made the same dresses with the same materials and in China. It makes you wonder what you are really paying for: the name of designer or what it is really worth? Clothing sometimes confuses me…
I agree with you, I feel sorry for the designers that talent is rob by those awful knock off companies, the champion is with no doubt Forever 21, who despite the many lawsuits seems to be thrieving.
It is so frustrating for a creative mind to see their designs poorly duplicated, people have no respect anymore unfortunately.
Cheers.
Florencetheshoegoddess
Florence Theshoegoddess
I know I have bought 2 pairs of Zigi Soho shoes, and then less then a month later walk into Forever 21 and see knock offs of the shoes. While I know not to trust Forever, am I supporting a counterfeiter by purchasing Zigi Soho shoes? I cannot find very much information on them online, and in my opinion their shoes are priced too low to attract the attention of a counterfeiter. Please let me know if you have any information on this brand because I do not want to continue to support them if they are untrustworthy.