Trovata is known for their east coast preppy vibe and their west coast surf style, but for their Spring 2010 Women’s collection, the designers decided to stay on the beaches of California. Plaid Button-up tunics, striped cardigans, linen shirt dresses, block colored shorts and straw sun-hats comprise a collection of predominately feminine, bummy attire.

No worries people, because TOMS and Trovata are teaming up for an amazing Fashion’s Night Out event. The two iconic brands are teaming up to bring families a night to enjoy fashion. The event will host stations for families (or friends that might as well be families) the chance to get their pictures taken in back drops from different eras. The family who takes the best photo wins $1,000 shopping spree from Trovata and TOMS, and you will even be able to shop the newest styles from TOMS that will be released at the event.

So if you are on the West Coast be sure to head over to the TOMS headquarters at 3025 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, Ca.

Vs.

One would think that after over 50 lawsuits during the last 3.5 years would deter Forever 21 from pushing the limits of copyright laws. With good lawyers on their side, co-founders  Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang, who also act as the corporation’s chief executive and head buyer, have been able to push almost all suits under the rug,  going about their merry, cheap-o knockoff business. 

With Trovata trouble currently looming, it seems as if the Changs already have enough strings to pull in order to escape the CDFA. But a recent deposition, one in which Anthropologie claims that Forever 21 infringed on 9 of it’s copyrighted items, isn’t going to be so easy to get out of. A Southern District of New York Judge has proof that Jin Sook Chang is linked to the buying of at least 8 of these infringed items. 

Although photos, videos and transcriptions of the lawsuit have yet to be released, it should be very interesting to see just how similar these items are. But as much as I detest the bargain version’s spot-on copies, I’m rather impressed at how many slaps on the wrist the Changs were able to walk away with. But if you ask me, by letting copyright cases slide so easily, the CDFA is just begging for designers to break the rules. 

Thanks WWD! 

Any fully conscious person knows that Forever 21 is the knock-off capital of the world. Consumers toss a few dollars for poor-quality clothing that just so happens to look, from far away, like designer pieces. Although the repro-depot has gotten into its fair share of copyright infringements tiffs, a recent battle with Trovata could be the lawsuit needed to finally pass the CDFA’s Design Piracy and Prohibition Act.

Take a look at the image above. While there are obvious differences in quality and color, the naked eye registers that these pieces are basically the same. Come May, a jury will decide if Forever 21 (top row) is guilty of copyright infringement of Trovata’s (bottom row) button placements, fabric patterns, decorative stitching and other details. Should the Design Piracy and Prohibition Act pass, designers can expect a decrease in competition and consumers can start singing the blues, as they will be unable to buy penny saving knock-off items.

With Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” lawsuit barely in hindsight, it will be interesting to see what the CDFA deems as “original” in the fashion world. Designers borrow inspiration on a daily basis…does this make them criminals? Are designers only at fault if they borrow too much? Who determines what is borrowed and what is original? While the outcome of this lawsuit could potentially  make the fashion industry more unique, with it will come more rules and thusly, more restrictions on fashion. Dun dun dun.

Thanks NY Mag!

As per usual, John Whitledge, designer of Trovata, produced yet another whimsical and wearable collection. Encompassing 60’s Parisian politics, the Trovata Fall 2009, despite it’s inherent simplicity, is unique, yet marketable, to nearly any shopper. Women’s pieces follow the trend of masculine femininity, while men’s pieces do just the opposite, bringing out a softer and more delicate fashion. Among the successful garments were both the men’s and women’s bomber pea and petticoats, embellished with buckles at the cuff and sophisticated double breasting. In addition to the timeless New York black, Trovata Fall 2009 is throwing colors like tangerine, mossy green and magenta plum into the mix. If you’re going to go safe with design, might as well go bold with color! 

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Trovata Fall 2009

LINKAGE: Style 

Kendra Spears for the Akiabara Ad Campaign.

Kendra Spears in Trovata S/S 2009.

Kendra Spears for Ford Models contest.

Like any sane person, I deleted my Myspace account once I realized that I wasted at least four hours each day changing my layout design, took pathetic photos specifically for new Myspace defaults and stalked my ex-boyfriend to see who he was macking on that week. Now granted, I’ve been Myspace sober for over three years (thanks to Facebook. damnit) but Kendra Spears, the new face all over the runways, owes her whole aspiring career to Myspace. 

Say sayonara to the typical college co-ed and hello to the winner of Ford Models’ Myspace.com contest! So she didn’t win the $100,000 contract with Ford Models, but who can complain walking for Gucci, Hermès, and Valentino in Paris and Milan? Recently the 20 year old Portland State University student has been working on shoots for Dazed and Confused, Italian Marie Claire and an upcoming BCBG ad campaign. 

Anyone else wondering why Kendra Spears didn’t wind up in New York Fashion Week last month? Well, according to bookers, they aren’t too keen on Spears’ Cindy Crawford lip mole. Well too bad for us here in the States, it looks like European bookers know a pretty face, mole or no mole, when they see one! 

Thanks NY Mag!