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Preferring to remain a mystery, Mrs. Chang gives no interviews and maintains a profile so low her physical body is off the radar. Ask top designers like Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg and they will say it takes months to get their clothes from the runways to the stores. The Changs deliver interpretations of the same item down to the tiniest patterns and finest quality material, within six weeks!
So Sue Me
The Changs say they employ no designers, �just very savvy designer merchants.� Yet when you examine their product adaptations it�s clear these designer merchants are the reason for the success of Forever 21. But the company refuses to make them or their names public. In other words, the designer merchants, along with Mrs. Chang, remain invisible. When questioned, a spokeswoman replied, smiling: �� our clothes are on trend, almost indistinguishable from designer clothes. Our design process is proprietary.�
According to the New York Times, Diane Von Furstenberg has filed a lawsuit against Forever 21 for replicating one of her dresses down to its print, fabric and color. �Current law does not protect clothing design from being copied (logos are an exception),� said the Times. �But Ms. Von Furstenberg and other American designers have been lobbying Congress since last year to expand the copyright statute that protects music and books. Such a change is considered a long shot,� the Times said.
Dirty Little Secrets Everyone Knows
Are there dimly lit places somewhere offshore where, under the supervision of master designers, tiny little fingers work at warp speed, swing-shifts-around-the-clock to manufacture these garments? Does it bother shoppers that an Oscar de la Renta dress selling for $400 at Bergdorf Goodman can be bought for about $40 at Forever 21; that Ralph Lauren, now the Official Outfitter of Wimbledon can see his knock-offs coming and going on Main Street? If there�s any consumer guilt, it�s not evident at the cash register. The bigger question is, where do most mega designers get their clothes made, and by whom? If they are in areas where child labor laws and forced labor laws are non-existent, how is it possible to enforce them?
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 As freelance writer/editor I think it's important to establish good working relationships with my clients. Both time and cost effective, I focus on one manuscript or one news release or the text of one book jacket, until the project is completed. Beginner or seasoned writer, the process is the same. You will find my portfolio on my website, plus other examples of how I can help you with your work. SIGNED copies of my novel "The Sword & The Chrysanthemum, Journey of the Heart" are available in paperback at reduced rates directly from me. Or, you can get unsigned copies at standard rates from Amazon.com and bn.com . An ebook is also available. http://www.susanscharfman.com
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