Michael Kors - CopyCat Designer?

While I have always had an affinity for the Michael Kors brand, perhaps simply (and egotistically) because his famous monogram MK corresponds to my own initial, I have always noticed that the designer has made a habit of ripping off more well-established designers, namely Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci.

Is there anything wrong with this? I'm not sure. Shouldn't us regular folks have access to the cool designs and fashion trends that are normally reserved only for the elite? Maybe, but doesn't that come very close to the line of intellectual theft and downright counterfeiting?

Do you see what I mean?

The signature monogram MK, much like the signature monogram LV, is in light tan colors with a brown background. The structure and shape of many of the MK bags are also similar to the LV designs, as can be seen below:

Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy
(pic from Shen's Addiction)

Michael Kors Logo Satchel

Louis Vuitton Speedy Damier Azur

Pic from Bagaholic Boy

They even have a
design quite similar to the very popular Totally and Neverfull lines:

Michael Kors Jet Set Tote

    

Totally MM

Louis Vuitton Neverfull collection

Michael Kors Jetset Macbook Tote

These are all just the most glaring examples. There are many more MK designs that are clearly based on the LV legacy, but to showcase them all would take up too much space on this blog!

Michael Kors doesn't just stick to Louis Vuitton, though. He also crosses into Hermes territory:

Hermes Birkin Bag

Michael Kors Hamilton Tote

MaryFashionLove

And even dares to violate the name of Gucci!

Gucci Tote (unknown)
pic from William Yan

Michael Kors Jet Set East/West tote

I have noticed this trend in MK for awhile but really became cognizant of it when I was on a flight and asked a lady if her watch was MK -- my friend had one that looked identical to it -- but she said no, it was Chanel. 

I don't know if it's necessarily a bad thing, though. In many ways I think the MK brand is an improvement on the original designs and for a price that is actually affordable for most of the populace. Whether it verges on intellectual copyright infringement, I don't know. 

Thoughts, anyone?