I've been noticing on different tribes about 'knock-offs'. I haven't posted my opinions on other tribes, but I can here without offending the tribe moderator....me...lol.

So, I have to admit, I get inspired by other people, as I'm sure in the past there have been others 'inspired' by me. Obviosly not in the belly dance realm, because this is a new adventure in costuming for me, and I'm hoping it will be a great ride!

I think I have a lot of new and fresh ideas when it comes to costuming. I have worked with a lot of fabrics that are definitely not belly dance types...normally.....hehe...but maybe will be when I'm done with ya! : )

Anyway, I was looking at another tribe and noticed that someone posted about how her design differed from the original.

Someone accused me of 'knocking off 'her design recently( not in the belly dance realm) and I was shocked. She said she was going to sue me as well. I looked on the web to find more 'knock-offs' of this design...lots. She hasn't got the corner on it, nor did she invent it. She was inspired by something herself and created something slightly different, which is what i did. Someone brought me the idea, and we stood there for over an hour to creat it. Pinning this creation to her, then I re -created that.

I was also 'inspired' by the melodia pants. They are a pair of flares with a split in the side. That is the only similiarity. I created a pair of what I called 'trumpet pants, and then recently noticed that someone else is doing the same thing. So who is first? well, I think even though I made mine a few months ago, no one has seen them....so because people have seen hers....hers will be the "original"

It's a weird line to walk, this whole design thing. I haven't really had to encounter this world of 'knock-offs' before, because everything I have been creating for the last 10 years has been one of a kind. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around "mass production". I have so many ideas and designs swirling around in my head that I can't decide which ones to do!!

I will be featuring some Pvc (goth style) pieces at the bazaar this year in the spring, and also some more traditional designs as well.

How about some opinions on this whole mess? : ) I hope this post makes some sense. : )