Is it worth the wait for fast-fashion: Forever 21 coming to Columbia, but not without some knock-off baggage

Get ready for some big news, trend addicts! Forever 21, the ultimate one-stop shop for the chicest inexpensive clothing, shoes and accessories du jour, is bringing style to Columbia. The store will take up not one, not two, but four retail spots in Columbiana Centre, located off Harbison Boulevard. At 12,300 square feet, the new store will resemble the mall’s department stores and will offer broke fashion-lovers a chance to build fashion-forward wardrobes for a fraction of the price of other stores. How do they do it, you might ask?

The answer is a little something called “fast-fashion.” It’s not only the concept behind Forever 21, but such ubiquitous chains as H&M, Zara, and Topshop as well. And it’s exactly what it sounds like: after watching the runways of Fashion Week, the companies create the fastest turnaround for the manufacturing of designer-inspired, mass-produced garments. So, we can practically get a Gucci look-a-like dress at Forever 21 before the real thing even hits Rodeo Drive. Sounds good! Right? Too good, perhaps? According to some, the factories are working a bit too fast and the products coming out are a bit too inspired by other designers’ work.  

Designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui and Gwen Stefani have had enough with Forever 21’s so-called inspiration. All three, amongst others, have filed piracy suits against the company over the past several years. As if multiple public allegations of intellectual property theft weren’t enough, Forever 21 has also been the target of legal complaints and boycotts concerning unfair wages, hours and conditions for their American laborers. For years the private company has been surrounded by conflict and constantly on the defense arguing for the legitimacy of their business practices.  

Now, I hate to stomp on the excitement of Forever 21’s new stomping grounds (though from the looks of these bad-ass booties, I’m guessing Forev. could stomp me), but my conscience reminded me that it’s always fashionable to know the whole story. Of course, it’s hard to protest with the deals they offer. After all, who wouldn’t love to look good bouncing around Columbia without worrying about bouncing a check? But don’t forget that there’s nothing like one-of-a-kind garments and supporting local boutiques in the community. With that said, Forever 21 is scheduled to open in March of 2011. See you there!