Imitation = Flattery?

Okay, I know I just expressed a renewed fondness and admiration for Nine West but I am now sort of feeling mixed about them because the similarities between these two shoes is too close to be coincidental. I thought Steve Madden was bad but this is pretty blatant.

The top shoe is the Sevigny Heel by Gucci, available for $695 on Saks...



A very striking patent heel with a fashion-forward style. I love the wide strap, giving a new twist to a double-strap mary jane.

Now, here's the Nine West Olavera, in pre-order for $79 on NineWest.com ...



Hmmmm.... that's pretty darn close if you ask me. I'm kind of shocked and dismayed that they are so closely copying this. They also did the shoe in gold, which I actually like better than the Nine West black, but both look kind of shoddy next to the Gucci pair, especially in the heel shape.



Thoughts?

Also, is Chloe Sevigny really a style icon? I know she "takes risks" with her wardrobe, but really, does anyone like her??? Maybe it's just me.