Versace Rip Off Kesh?

The Versace rip-off accusation is making it rounds on the Internet. Kesh accuses The house of Versace of ripping off a t-shirt she designed for American Apparel. 

On her Instagram account she says, "Versace rip off. Sold out in three sizes. What is this madness?  From huge designer labels to small boutiques, to giant pop stars, to fame-hungry former friends. What is this? Why can't these companies, these brands, these people create their own work? What happened? Why do these people think that everything that they lay their eyes on instantly belongs to them?" 

She even brutally goes on to say, "At least make it better than the $30 original" and "This looks like a first draft."

Left: Kesh; Right: Versace 

To be fair, Versace's design isn't that bad. There is completion on there, but the better version would be a matter of preference.

Looking closely at Kesh's original drawings, we could easily conclude it was a rip-off. It had the same color scheme, similar concept and the details especially in the eyes is striking.

But however, as much as we would like to be on Kesh's side, art ownership and inspiration has a fine line. There are still differences.

Geometric design has already been in use by many ethnic cultures around the world and us a staple in contemporary art since the early 20th century.

The most that Kesh could do is tarnish the reputation of the billion-dollar company, which they're doing a good job of.

That said, I wouldn't buy the Versace shirt. Too expensive, IMO. Versace is selling it for $650. That's more than 200% what Kesh did.

Burger King Fragrance

We've encountered some interesting scents, but Burger King, for a limited time only, is among those right up there with their Whopper scent.

Yes, a fragrance in a nice glass bottle that would make you smell like a burger. Imagine the smell while passing by a Burger King in a mall, that nice beefy smell of cheesy grilled burger. Imagine it all over your body. The Whopper, nice and juicy, it will make you yummy.

Probably not.

Still, if you want to literally smell like a beefcake, it's only available in Japan for a limited time. Either you fly over there on April 1 or ask somebody you know. 

As weird as it is, I want it.

The Rise of the Smartwatch

The most anticipated wearable gadget of geekdom, the Apple Watch, is coming out soon. It will most likely big. With the success of the Pebble watch, being the most successful funding campaign in Kickstarter of all time, it is safe to say smartwatches will be big.

Slated  for an April 24 release date, people are curious. Surely, people  are reserving their watches. It comes in different specialized functions, prices and sizes, costing between USD 350 to USD 10,000, if you choose the ones with the 18K gold case.

We definitely can see its conveniences, like not going through your phone when you're in a hurry, and there will surely be apps to track our health and fitness. But would it be necessary.

I might pick  a smartwatch when the time comes that it is unavoidable, when the world deems it necessary to go through life with smartwatches. It is kind of scary. Maybe it's from watching too many sci-fi thrillers.

But do we need it now? Are watches doomed to be mere pretty accessories, obsolete and unimportant. And how will it affect watch makers around the world who have crafted fine time pieces for centuries? 

The Apple watch is still expensive, but so are luxury brand watches that does very little but tell time. If I get an Apple watch, I will probably wear it every day to maximize cost per wear; and if that happens, there's no turning back after starting that kind of lifestyle.

And is it going to be a good investment, to buy a watch that, like most gadgets, go outdated in a couple of years. Good quality watches stand the test of time, you could even pass it on to kids. Smartwatches will unlikely be that. Technology zooms in and out.

And why should you buy a smartphone with an 18K gold case that you would only use for a couple of years?

The Apple Watch, I want to like it, but I can't. I am curious too, but I have no intention to own it yet.

 Unless someone gifts me.