Thread: Taking inspiration from pro costumes

I have an ethics/sewing question.

I have found a beautiful costume that I love but can't even think of affording. I think I can make something similiar. I wouldn't dare think that I could do the same thing, nor would I want to. I want it to have my special touches. Is that ok to do?
When I am finished, I am sure you'd be able to tell that I took my inspiration from that costume. Would that offend the person who did the origional?

Let me also add that I am not a professional dancer (maybe professional level, but I don't want to be "professional") and I would never make it for anyone but myself or sell it.

What are your thoughts?

I am new at making costumes, so I don't want to ripple the pond

If you were copying someone else's designs to sell, I think it would be an ethical issue.

However, I don't see a problem with copying something for yourself.

it depends. if you were copying the design exactly including all the details and stones/beads used to sell that would be a different story. But just because Eman has certain kinds of cutouts or skirt shapes, styles whatever doesn't mean you can't make one similar. For example I am making a similar style to a sahar costume that has satin bows on it. But in my opinion I am adding textures and touches that take it to a different level. Maybe I'll sell it and maybe I won't. Does that mean Sahar has a license on satin bows? No way! Sahar was probably inspired by vintage cocktail dresses when creating the design. I don't think it is unethical. Just don't copy and stick your name on it. But inspiration is freeeeeeeee =)

Great Thanks! I don't think I can afford to use all the same stones and beads, and it is only for me, so I am going to go for it!

Post pictures!! We want to see!!

Sure thing. I am working on a bead and coin one right now. It is so hard to focus on doing just one at a time when you have a head full of ideas!

I think it's highly unethical to copy something down to the last details if it's as intricate as a belly dance costume. However, I see nothing wrong with being inspired by a design and taking elements from it

Originally Posted by indigostars

I think it's highly unethical to copy something down to the last details if it's as intricate as a belly dance costume. However, I see nothing wrong with being inspired by a design and taking elements from it

But isn't that how the masters learned how to paint...by copying other artists' works, trying to make their copy as exact as possible?

When I buy a couture-inspired knockoff from Forever 21 I know what I'm doing and what I'm getting. Or when I choose to rip-off a make-up and hair look from a Vogue magazine instead of making an appointment with the original stylist.

Economics and interest naturally send high-end looks down into the accessible mainstream. People will pay for what they think its worth. So... as long as you're not planning on passing it off as the original designer's work for profit, I kind of see it as inevitable that those of us that can't/won't pay for the high-end originals will find our way around it.

I tend to model a lot of costumes after the big-name ones that I could never afford. They never turn out exactly the same, and what's great is that I can tailor things a little differently to flatter my body type better.

Isn't the vast majority of fashion a trickle-down thing anyway?