Rashel's Closet: Maria Pino and the Imitations

I woke up intending to start writing about spring collections, mother’s day and some of the trends for children at Palm’s Sunday.

But then, while window shopping last week-end, my eyes couldn’t but notice one of the most renowned shoes and bags shop in Lebanon “Maria Pino”.

I cannot deny that at a certain time during the past 20 years, “Maria Pino” was one of the only shops were we could find a non “déjà-vu” shoe design. It used to be one of my favorite shoes shop, especially that I have a very small foot size; beautiful shoes that fits my little feet.

Then was the trend of the international brands of Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and others for shoes, along with the iconic Louis Vuitton bags.

“Fashionistas” indulged in the fascinating world of brands and became shoes and bags addicts.

What made these brands addictive were their genuine designs. Fashionistas would still know the designer behind a simple black patent pump: Christian Louboutin orJimmy Choo.

Christian Louboutin - So Kate

Jimmy Choo - Anouk

And all big brands are copied. In fact, we can find some replicas in commercial retails stores such as Zara.

But there a thin line between smart copying and copy/paste!

In the past 5 years, “Maria Pino” ’s designs changed to look similar to internationally renowned brands. It then became very obvious after the release of the Falabella bag of Stella McCartney.

Stella McCartney - Falabella Bag

Maria Pino - Imitation Falabella

It is not a terrible thing to get inspired afterall, but to copy/paste a design is horrible!It is forbidden!!!! Oh well especially from a renowned shop in the country. Where is the genuine signature in all this?

Then things got more serious and the copy/paste phenomenon surpassed the Stella McCartney bag. Then came Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Aquazurra and many more!!

In fact, we could see the same design of the Jimmy Choo’s Lance sandals in the shop through the Stellaluna designs. At first sight you would look and say “Oh! Jimmy Choo!” then realize no it’s a “Stellaluna”.

Jimmy Choo - Lance

Stellaluna

Small details that mattered made all the difference. For example, the Camelia flowers on the imitation of the Chanel signature bags.

Chanel - Camelia Flower Signature

Maria Pino - Camelia Detail

I am of course not saying that as a local brand, Maria Pino is not successful. But if the designs will remain copy/pasted, ladies would rather buy from original branded shops (perhaps during their sales period) at the price Maria Pino sells it shoes!

Here is an example of a similar design between Aquazzura and Christian Louboutin.