Gucci's Spring '09 collection compared to Zara's designs

Image via style.com

No wonder I loved this collection! The front row attendees of Gucci's spring '09 show however, weren't too impressed.

WWD said, "Gucci looks are all over Zara," and The Wall Street Journal blog predicted that the suits in the collection "could easily hit the shelves of Zara and H&M months before they get to Gucci’s boutiques."

Although I agree that I could see a lot of these looks being sold at Zara, maybe Frida Giannini should be cut some slack. There's a reason why these collections are deemed ready-to-wear, and not couture. Although the designs are supposed to be innovative enough to set the trends and inspire mass retailers, designers have to keep in mind that their clothing must be wearable enough for their customers to sport them.

Take Gianfranco Ferré's collection, for example. It was possibly one of the most brilliant collections from Milan Fashion Week so far, but really, how many people will wear that in real-life, other than the true fashionista, who's also ultra wealthy (a very rare breed)?

If Gucci-inspired looks are going to be worn by many come spring, then it looks like Giannini did her job as a designer.

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