One of these things is not like the other. Gucci‘s fall ’15 fur-lined loafers made a splash both on the runway and on the street-style scene — and now other brands are capitalizing on the season’s “it” shoe by offering almost-identical versions.
The original style by Gucci features kangaroo-fur lining along with the label’s signature horsebit detail, available in both a smooth leather ($995) or crocodile leather ($2,500) upper.
The lookalikes are selling for a drastically lower price point.
Los Angeles-based retailer L’oeil is offering a very similar Bamba fur mule slipper by Marie Etoile for $68 that is made of leather and “trimmed mammals fur.” And online retailer Somethin’ Sweet is selling a rabbit fur-lined loafer by Betts By Haru that is made of synthetic leather and angora for $61 (update: the retailer has since stopped carrying the style on its website).
L’oeil is also selling a furry slingback pump by Marie Etoile for $68 that bears an uncanny resemblance to Gucci’s runway fur-lined eel slingback pump.
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It’s not surprising that brands have taken to replicating the hit Gucci style, given its luxury price point and the difficulty of finding it in stores (many sizes are sold out or unavailable).
Design infringement is a common problem in footwear. In July, Skechers took Steve Madden to court for the second time over copycat issues. In 2011, Skechers sued Madden for infringing on Skechers’ patented Twinkle Toes line. That case was settled out of court. This time, Skechers sued Madden for infringing on its Go Walk line.
Neither L’oeil nor Somethin’ Sweet could be reached for comment.
