From dictionary.com

Dear fashion-loving friends,

It pains me to bore the gander because of one silly, unoriginal goose, but allow me to remind you that plagiarism is both illegal and unfashionable!

I understand that in the fashion industry it’s customary that ideas for garments or trends and the like are often borrowed, tweaked or intentionally copied just enough to slap another label or price tag on to make a buck. I don’t frown upon those who can only drop $30 for a knock-off Louis “Faux-tton”. I know the positive impact carrying a Louis, real or not, can have on your day. I personally don’t think twice when I shop for the newest trends at Forever 21, rather than investing at Barneys New York for the latest sequined dress or black ankle-high booties I know I’ll love and cherish forever.  We do the best we can and make do with what we have, even in the fashion sense.

But fashionistas, plagiarism is unacceptable. Copying the words or works of Fashion Phoenix or any other writer / magazine is inexcusable by my standards. I understand that ideas can be shared and story angles and subjects re-worked, but ripping off my articles, words and ideas and slapping your own name on it just to benefit yourself, is like ripping the shirt off my back. Only read this s-l-o-w-l-y, YOU will be the one left naked and exposed.

And though I try to prevent this travesty by clearly printing on the bottom of the blog, “The content of the site is property of Fashion Phoenix and may not be reproduced or reposted without written permission from Fashion Phoenix,” sadly, some people need to be reminded that plagiarism is just TACKY!

You know who you are. Don’t do it again. xo

permalink 6:54 AM |  11.16.2009 |