Proenza Schouler Not Pleased Target Knocked Off Its PS1 Bag

by Julia Rubin | 12:21 pm, March 26th, 2011

Proenza Schouler‘s PS1 bag is one of the most covetable accessories to have debuted in recent years. We’d venture to say it’s made it past “It Bag” status and is on its way to becoming a full-fledged classic. Unfortunately, as with any iconic design, knockoffs are inevitable. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez just never thought a company they’ve collaborated with would be the culprit.

For the past few weeks, blogs have been abuzz about a bag sold under Target‘s private Mossimo label that bears an uncanny resemblance to the PS1. As Cathy Horyn describes, the similarities are pretty obvious: “The PS1, which Proenza brought out two years ago after a fair amount of research and development, has a V-shaped front flap cross-sectioned with trim detail to suggest a square; so does the Mossimo. And the straps that run over the front of the PS1 are tucked into small flat loops free of hardware; ditto the Mossimo.”

One thing that isn’t the same? The price. The Mossimo bag retails for $34.99, while a comparably-sized medium PS1 will set you back $1,595. Knockoffs are always upsetting, but this particular instance is pretty surprising considering Target’s tie to the brand. Not only did Proenza produce a GO International collection for Target, two of their dresses made it into the greatest hits GO International Designer Collective that’s currently in stores. Explains Proenza CEO Shirley Cook: “So our product is in Target right now, and then this bag comes out. It’s just disappointing, especially from someone we worked with.”

And what do the designers themselves think? Hernandez noted that Target seems to have gotten the bag’s attitude just right, while McCollough expressed his desire for the mass retailer to stop selling it. When Horyn reached out to Target, they didn’t seem to acknowledge the similarities: “It always has been and continues to be the policy of Target to respect the intellectual property rights of others” Sigh.

With the New York Times firmly on Proenza’s side, we wonder if Target will feel the heat and pull the bags. Check out the side-by-side below. Do you think Proenza has a case?

UPDATE: A PS1-toting friend of ours just alerted us to the fact that Mulberry also sells a bag that is shockingly similar to the PS1. While not as egregious a copy as the Target bag, it has its familiar shape, long shoulder strap, top handle, pointed flap and parallel front straps. The design does draw from Mulberry’s archives, but the end result still feels uncomfortably close to the PS1.

We have to imagine there are plenty of other examples out there. Know of any? Tell us in the comments!

[On The Runway]

Jack McCollough Lazaro Hernandez Massimo Mulberry Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler PS1 Target Target Designer Collaborations

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1607626889 David Martin Latchaw

The Target knock-off strikes me more as a whimsical homage–a cartoony version of the more expensive bag. The Target bag looks kinda fun and utilitarian; the PS1 looks very, very nice. That Mulberry thing just looks ugly and cheap.
Joyce A

I have a vintage leather schoolbag that was mine from the late 60s while I was at parochial school. Almost identical to PS. Also I bought a couple on ebay in the late 90s that are identical to my original and almost identical to the PS. Both predate the PS–I wonder if those manufacturers should be pissed at PS??? C’mon it’s a classic bag that has been done eons of times for almost a decade.
Anonymous

Oh, PS, get a life! There’s no comparison between the 2. Now, if Target had done the in an army green, sturdy fabric — now we’re talking competition as a classic.
http://profiles.google.com/amysweeps Amy Em

Ditto on that. The design of the PS1 is far from innovative. I think they need to get over it…
http://nadiathinks.tumblr.com NadiaThinks

seriously–these are all copies of an older style…are they going to really say that the PS was the original?
http://nadiathinks.tumblr.com NadiaThinks

seriously–these are all copies of an older style…are they going to really say that the PS was the original?
Gin

oh brother, they don’t look the same material wise and who cares!
Anonymous

I agree! The design of the PS1 has been seen for many years on bags that are now “vintage”. Yes, the Target bag looks like it, but anyone can clearly tell the difference between them, so why not allow the people that cannot afford to pay $2000 for a bag just enjoy the style and be fashionable.
Alana

Who cares really….. Half of my stuff is fake and I save so much money like that, that I can go and have a wonderful brunch at Pastis and not care about it
Alana

Who cares really….. Half of my stuff is fake and I save so much money like that, that I can go and have a wonderful brunch at Pastis and not care about it

Proenza Schouler Not Pleased Target Knocked Off Its PS1 Bag

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