Lipsy x Amy Childs

Those of you outside the UK probably haven't heard of Amy Childs. Even though I am in the UK, all I know about her is that she is a bimbo from the TV show The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE), a structured reality show that follows the lives of tango-ed rich kids who seem to have been deprived of even the tiniest amount of common sense. Surprisingly though, TOWIE is really quite popular (probably for its comedy value), and as a result, many of the so-called stars have decided to try and make a quick buck by putting their name to a line of dresses, or make-up, or frankly, whatever they can get their hands on.

This is where Amy Childs comes in. She has put her name to a line of dresses at Lipsy, the much-loved party dress retailer. The line mainly features lace bodycon dresses, and we are led to believe that Amy had some say in the design of the dresses. But what really makes me laugh is the Lipsy x Amy Childs "Laura" dress, because really, it should be called the Stella McCartney Octavia Tri-Tone Sheath Dress.

Left - Stella McCartney Octavia Tri-Tone Sheath Dress; Right - Lipsy x Amy Childs "Laura" Dress

What frustrates me the most is when a British fast-fashion retailer knocks off the design of a ridiculously talented and hard-working British designer. Stella's contribution to fashion, and in particular to British fashion, is incredible. Even though she is the child of Paul and Linda, she still had to work hard to achieve her goals, studying at Central St Martins, and interning at Lacroix and Edward Sexton on Savile Row. She is a truly talented and accomplished designer.

And then Amy Childs and Lipsy come along and rip off one of her designs. I really do find it gross. Even though knocking off other designers isn't illegal, it is creatively lazy and disrespectful. And, in collaborations such as this, I really do wonder why, when Amy and Lipsy literally could have designed ANYTHING, they chose instead to knock off Stella. 

What do you think?

Bemsy x