Why does a brand as established as Burberry feel the need to copy another designer? Probably because everyone does it and it is becoming more and more accepted? It is not just Zara, H&M and other fast fashion retailers who copy entire looks from Prada and Celine these days, a lot of renowned fashion houses also take inspiration from their colleagues. And it seems Burberry Prorsum is another example par excellence for a luxury house doing just that. Christopher Bailey presented his Spring 2014 collection for Burberry Prorsum during Men’s Fashion Week in London this week. And although the collection received mainly positive feedback on the tFS forums, several commenters found it audacious how blatant the resemblance was to Prada.
“Is anyone else feeling a vibe from the last Prada men’s?” asked shanhuq. His question was immediately affirmed by Prairie, Nymphaea, anlabe32 and heelscatchfire.
Thefrenchy also thought the collection looked too inspired by Prada Fall 2013 and stated that it was a “poor interpretation of Prada FW13… One of his most boring collections to date…”
fashunviktim agreed and asked, “Why would [Christopher Bailey] so blatantly copy Prada? I mean it has only been 5 months since that collection and the advertisements are just starting to run?”
(My cynical answer to that would be that since Burberry’s collections are up for pre-order on their website instantly after the runway show, the resemblance to pieces currently being seen in a Prada campaign, and therefore being hot and trendy right now, can only be a good thing!)
Pricciao focused more on the collection itself rather than on where it took inspiration from and commented, “I don’t mind he takes the idea, because it’s a good concept to be continued. And it’s comfy, light, and full of joy. Well done.”
And 5 8 6 also liked it because it looks like Prada. He wrote, “First time I’ve ever liked something from Burberry Prorsum. I do see some similarities with Prada latest collection, that’s probably the reason why I enjoy this so much.”
“Looks good! Reminds me a bit of Marni and Prada but it’s solid,” added Mutterlein
It is safe to say the verdict is obvious here. While Bailey created an enjoyable collection that has no real flaws in terms of design and styling, the resemblance to Prada’s Fall 2013 (and also Spring 2012, in my opinion) collection cannot be ignored. In the end, will it matter that it references Prada? Once the individual pieces hit the stores, they will probably be flying off the shelves nonetheless as this has everything it takes to make a customer happy.
