I am a clever and resourceful person and I have many ideas which I know for a fact are original. I think that my own business model could withstand the threat of this act, but I know of other indie designers and retailers who have their own lines, and that the Design Piracy Act can and would hurt their business.

I do not condone ripping anyone off, but many times designers seem to draw inspiration from the collective unsconscious and may not even be aware of the source. In Celtic history, artists were often seers too, and derived guidance from their connection with the spirits. One of the most intriguing aspects of the fashion industry is that designers seem to communicate artistically with one another through their own personal interpretations of what is current. Some of the most elegant, sexy, and efficient clothing designs are not novel in the least but truly quite simple.

I signed the Petition To Stop The Design Piracy Act back in September, but I guess I needed some time to think about it before posting this. Even if you are not a designer/ entrepreneur I urge you to sign the petition because it does affect you, whether you realise it or not. Kathleen Fasanella, who is highly respected in the U.S. manufacturing sector, has gone out on a limb in promoting this petition for the benefit of the indie community and I am inspired by her fearless example. Canadian designers are often slammed by the international fashion scene for being ‘isolationist’ and ‘not showing our awareness of global trends’, which is entirely unfair coming from those who would accuse us of copying them. Diane Von Furstenberg was recently caught red-handed in the act of copying a Canadian independent designer and her company has not been prosecuted. Ironically, she is the staunchest advocate of this new piracy bill!

The thing that kills me is that a huge company like Diane VonFurstenberg would pick on small manufacturers when it is unlikely that they have anything to fear. Some people may be suspicious of my open and intellectually generous attitude, but I really believe there is enough room for everyone to be creative and successful.

Please sign the petition before it is too late. If you would like to join the facebook group I started to discuss this and other issues, please search facebook for: “I Care About Independent Fashion Designers”.