In recent months I feel like every time I scroll through my feed I have about twenty promoted posted shoved down my throat by Instagram ads. Most of this promoted content is for streetwear clothing companies that look very much like scams rather than legit fashion companies. I usually just scroll right past them and get on with my day. However, a few of these ads have made me stop and take a closer look. The first to catch my eye was one that looked like an add for a LIPT Lable bodysuit. At first, I just thought it was a new product, but on closer inspection, I noticed that it was being marketed by a different company. When I followed the link to their page, I saw a number of copycat items, all of which were poor quality knock-offs of LIPT Label shorts and bodysuits. As you would most likely guess the prices they were charging for these knock-offs was far lower than that of the originals, and given that the account had a decent number of followers I am sure other people had taken notice as well.

After seeing the LIPT Label copies, I became a lot more aware of just how many advertisements I was getting for knock-offs of some of my favorite brands. It was constant to the point I was somewhat shocked I hadn't heard anyone else mention it. Stealing has always been a part of fashion culture, especially with stores like Forever 21 and H&M that rely on ripping off high fashion design and watering it down to an affordable level. Major fashion brands to have also come under first for stealing from smaller independent labels and designers. Rave fashion is no different, which is why I wanted to not only draw attention to this trend but also open up the discussion of whether or not we as ravers should be buying these more affordable versions of our favorite outfit.

I understand entirely how the low prices of knock-offs can be a major draw. Rave fashion can get pricey. Luxury rave wears companies like LIPT Label, and Easy Tiger that sells clothing upwards of a hundred dollars for events are more prevalent, and it is no surprise. The clothes that they make are beautiful and super cool. In the case of Easy Tiger, their pieces are handmade, which explains the steeper price of their clothes. LIPT label uses incredibly high quality fabric and constructs their pieces wonderfully, another reason why the price is a little bit high compared to things you might find from other rave brands. Yes, these brands are more expensive, but more often than not they earn their higher price tag with the quality of their product. When you love a style but can't afford to spend a hundred plus dollars on an outfit, a look for less may be incredibly appealing. Just remember that with the lower price you are going to be losing quality. Unfortunately, that is just the way that the world works, which some brands like Clubexx deliver quality for low prices, brands that take other peoples idea tend to remake them with cheaper fabrics and less attention to detail.

I understand that not being able to afford these pieces is the primary reason why we sometimes support companies that steal ideas, but it is also important to keep in mind that the majority of the labels they are copying for cheaper are small businesses. Companies like Easy Tiger, LIPT Label, and Shop Fluffy are small companies that often manufacture their own goods. When you take your business away from them in favor of someone profiting off their idea, it is going to hurt a lot more then say if you get a tween jacket from H&M instead of buying from Chanel. Chanel isn't going to take a hit, but a small rave wear brand might. I have spoken a lot on this site about supporting the small business women and men who operate in this space and who have devoted their lives to creating amazing things for those of us who love festivals.

Not all of us have the cash to spend on rave fashion, and in a world where it is crucial that we keep up with everyone else and post it all over Instagram, I can see how easy it is to buy the look for less from another company. However, I would ask that before you do you stop and think about how this affects the original brand. When we support those who steal ideas, we not only take money away from some of these small businesses, but it also promotes the idea that cutting corners is alright for a quick buck. Ravewear fashion is built on craftsmanship, which is why lots of companies start off in someone's apartment with a single sewing machine. Personally, I would like to support the people who spent their off hours creating something amazing and not someone who saw an opportunity to make a quick buck.

If you look hard enough, it isn't hard to find items for re-sale online at lower prices, and if you can't drop the money all at once a lot of these brands offer payment plans to help you out. At the end of the day, you are going to do what you wand and whay makes the most sense for you, but I hope this has given you a little bit to think about. So, should we buy from copy cats? I think not.