Beyonce Sued for Allegedly Stealing Dereon Designs? PLUS Madonna's Material Girl Lawsuit

It seems whenever a celebrity launches a fashion brand, legal troubles loom not too far behind. Most recently, Beyonce has come under fire for the Dereon studded leggings she wore in her new advertising campaign. Madonna was slapped with a lawsuit over the rights to use the Material Girl name for her Junior's fashion line with daughter, Lourdes Leon.

Beyonce's legal troubles revolve around a pair of studded leggings, which the Topshop brand, E-Label, claim are mysteriously similar to their own design. About the studded leggings, E-label owner, Heba Hallgrimsdottir said: "This is naturally huge and I am still half in shock. I didn't [recognize] straight away that this was her own label: I just thought she was wearing our leggings. It is practically just copy/paste...I have only just heard about this and no decision has yet been taken. We need to inspect her brand's trousers closer because, according to law, it is not copied if a certain number of things have been changed from the original design" via The Fashion Bomb.

Here are the E-label leggings - do you think Dereon's version is a ripoff?

The lawsuit against Madonna comes courtesy of Apparel manufacturer, LA Triump, who claims that they have been using the "Material Girl" brand since 1997, saying "Our client and its predecessor have been continually selling similar clothes in similar retail outlets at similar price points under their Material Girl brand since at least 1997 and Madonna and her newfound company do not have the right to trade in the same space under this brand...[our client faces] a risk of being subsumed by Madonna's profile [and] obvious worldwide notoriety" via People.com.

I don't want to make light of the frustration one must feel when robbed of his/her original idea. We've seen designers like Alexander McQueen go head-to-head with brands like Steve Madden over this very principle.

But sometimes, you have to wonder if the "notoriety" that LA Triump cites, plays into the perpetual celebrity lawsuits. The line between a genuine pursuit of justice and a desire for fame and media coverage has become quite blurry.

In my humble and uninformed opinion (haven't heard from either Beyonce or Madonna's camp), studded leggings are not an original idea and 'Material Girl' was only one of Madonna's biggest hit songs from the '80's.

But I do understand the need for the legal system to protect small businesses against powerful, popular brands that can easily steal designs and titles from lesser-known companies if unchecked.

What are your thoughts? Do you think either lawsuit is legit? Are celebrities unfairly targeted because of their fame and notoriety? Discuss.

Madonna Lookalikes Flood Macy's for the Material Girl Launch

If you ever questioned Madonna's iconic status, one sight of the Madonna lookalike Mom and daughter duos that clamored into Macy's for the launch of Material Girl would make you a believer.

According to WWD, the store was overrun with women dressed in blonde wigs, cross earrings, tulle skirts and the like. (Seriously, the line extended from Broadway down to 33rd Street).

The interesting part? Mothers (who partied during the prime of Madonna's career) and their daughters were hand-in-hand on line dressed in Madonna-inspired garb and itching for the chance to shop from Madonna's first fashion line. Surely, that's a testament to the superstar's broad and timeless appeal.

While the launch didn't fare as well in cities outside NYC and LA, Macy's anticipates huge back-to-school sales for the line and accordingly, debuted it in major cities with much fanfare. In NYC, the first 200 shoppers scored a bandeau and were treated to a performance by spokesperson, Taylor Momsen; in LA, fans waiting online were asked Madonna trivia questions, given wristbands and $10 gift cards, and a Kiss FM DJ played Madonna's songs.

Taylor performing.

While WWD seemed surprised both grown folks and teens were dressing up as Madonna, I wouldn't expect anything less. She is a larger-than-life icon whose appeal transcends generational borders. "Vogue" is the most-played song on my ipod, and my younger sister's, and I'm sure my niece will join the party when she gets old enough. Don't you agree that Madonna is just incredibly amazing?

And who doesn't want to dress like her? Ferocia and I took full advantage at The Magazine's 80's party back in the day (see below) because umm, it's fun! If only I was a teenage girl going back to school...

What do you think of the launch pandemonium? And sidenote: was Taylor Momsen the right choice for spokesperson? Teens (or better yet, anyone who can fit it) are you planning on shopping the collection?

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Sketch of Madonna's Collection for Macy's

If you were expecting cone-bras and latex catsuits, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Madonna's new collection for Macy's, overseen by her fashionable daughter, is conversely understated.


And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, it IS a Junior's line designed by 12-year old Lourdes Leon---so let's give the girls a little time before encouraging them to parade in Madonna's cone and Lady Gaga's shotgun bras.

They can, however, indulge in the collection's glamorous 80's flair with hair bow accessories, oversized blazers, corsets, leggings and cross earrings. Yes, it's basically Mommy Madonna's style from the '80's.

The fashion-forward looks juxtapose girly and gritty styles, like a tutu dress and studded combat boots for example. Despite her status as a Fashion Icon, Madonna credits her daughter with dreaming up the line's funky aesthetic: "I think this line is absolutely an extension of her taste," Madonna said of daughter, Lourdes. "We like to combine … a plaid or a flannel with a lace, or leather with lace or rhinestones. So we mix and match textures and fabrics and elements that are both masculine and feminine."

Ahhh yes. Who doesn't love to mix femme and masculine? That formula will ensure that the collection is a hit. And yet I can't help but be disappointed about the lack of cone bras...how about a lingerie line, Madge? Please and thank you.

Tell us: what do you think of the sketch? Is it GLAM or a SHAM?

Kisses,

Coutura

Lady Gaga Channels Madonna and Janet Jackson In Her Upcoming Video "Alejandro"

Hey Glamazons! As you know, Coutura and I are obsessed with all things Gaga and believe that no matter how quirky and crazy her fashion gets, she can do no wrong when it comes to music. The singer gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming video for the song "Alejandro" and it looks as though she's channeling the best of the late 80's (a la Janet Jackson's "Rythmn Nation" circa 1989) mixed with the early 90's (a la Madonna's "Vogue" circa 1990). Either way, it's hot. Always one to push the controversial button, we also catch a glimpse of a steamy bedroom scene in there as well.The video was shot by legendary fashion photographer Steven Klein and appears to be in all black and white...fierce!

Lady Gaga appeared on Larry King Live Tuesday night and told King the video has a "homoerotic military theme" and that it's "a celebration of my love and admiration for the gay community, my admiration of their bravery, their love for one another and their courage in their relationships."

Although we don't know of the release date for the music video just yet, check out the teaser below and let us know what you think!

xo

Ferocia

VIDEO GLAM: Christina Aguilera Channels "Human Nature" Madonna and Poses Nude for German GQ

Glamazons, 


It wasn't until my gay boy toy came over and showed me Christina Aguilera's new video that I became fully aware of her new image which I've dubbed "S&M Mom." My bottom lip was on the floor for the entire video. Why all the over-the-top sexuality? Especially when you looked so cute and wholesome with Jordan and baby just months ago. Ironically, the song is called "Not Myself Tonight." Fitting, because I don't know who she is anymore.


See the video below.





Sure she's been "Dirty" before, but it seems Christina's crusade to be the New Madonna just kicked into overdrive. My speculation is a certain larger-than-life, insane star is responsible for that (Lady Gaga, anyone?). Christina has certainly been inspired (read: copied) Madonna before, but Gaga does Madonna best...my opinion.


Part of Christina's image overhaul includes the cover of German GQ Magazine (above) where she poses in nothing but black lipstick, Christian Louboutin knee-high boots and Gaspar gloves. (Sidenote: I need those boots to survive). I love the pose, but are we feeling her new image? Discuss.


Kisses,


Coutura

I Heart Glee! And Sue Sylvester's Spoof of Madonna's Vogue

Along with most of America, I watched the Glee season finale on the edge of my seat. I was given life anew as Rachel (played by Lea Michele) belted out Barbara Streisand, leading my favorite gleeks to win the state competition. Behind-the-scenes, Mr. Schuester had declared his love for Ms. Pillsbury, Quinn and Finn were officially over, Sue Sylvester had finally been defeated and Kurt was still gay as glitter. Amazing!

Then, a hiatus. After playing the finale more times on my DVR then I'm willing to admit, I was thrilled to see Glee return last Tuesday. I missed most of the show, but caught one scene in my hotel room that changed my life for the better: Sue Sylvester as Madonna. With cone bra and all.

I pretty much listen to Vogue atleast once a day while traveling on the 2 train into Manhattan. And as our beloved makeup artist, AJ Crimson said, it is among the best songs, and videos, ever made.

Glee and Vogue, two of my fave pop culture moments, together? More happiness than I can stand!

Check Sue's hilarious parody of Madonna's classic Vogue video below:



Ok, and that's not all. Next week, the entire episode will be dedicated to Madonna! Gleeks, prepare to die and be reborn!

Will you be tuning in? Do you love Glee as much as I do? What'd you think of the comeback episode?

Kisses,

Coutura

Madonna Finally Launches a Clothing Line...for Teens?

Madonna, the style icon who has been influencing fashion for decades, finally has her own clothing line...and it's for teens?

Don't fear: her line won't include corsets with pointy busts for the under 25 set. The Junior's line for Macy's is inspired by her fashionable 13 year-old daughter, Lourdes Leon, who dresses way more conservatively---and unbelievably chic to be so young!

The collection, designed for women ages 13-25, is called "Material Girl" (love it!!!) and includes clothing, shoes and accessories. It retails for $12-$40 and will launch in September, right in time for back-to-school shopping.

The collection is the first project of many to launch under MG Icon, a company Madonna formed with her manager, Guy Oseary. The Macy's Juniors line is also co-owned by Iconix, which owns Candie's and Rampage.

I just think for Madonna's first line, she should have catered to an older audience. I mean, how many teens really listen to, celebrate, worship or even vividly remember Madonna?

If you're going to capitalize off your name, it makes sense to target people who embrace your brand...i.e. people like me, who still play "Vogue" and "Get Into the Groove" as if they came out yesterday.

What do you think of Madonna targeting teens?

My guess is the line is really a way for her fashionable daughter to try her hand at designing. Lourdes, who apparently has been integral in designing the line, is effortlessly cool, chic and sophisticated in her fashion choices. In fact, we have a couple of the same leggings. (A leggings lover is a girl after my own heart!).

So Glamazons, please humor me---what will the line look like? Here are some of Madonna's most famous fashion looks to jog your memory of her one-of-a-kind style. Let's hope it leans more toward Lourdes' aesthetic (though nothing's wrong with some lace gloves!).

Are you looking forward to the launch of the collection? Teens, will you shop it?

Kisses,

Coutura

Source: WWD