There’s a very fine line between being inspired by someone else’s designs and copying or knocking-off someone else’s work.

For instance, this 1950s vintage cashmere sweater is simply striking with hand-sewn appliques cut from an antique Chinese shawl. It was created by a talented home sewer who was most likely inspired by the work of Helen Bond Caruthers but without the means to purchase one of that designer’s masterpieces. So she took matters into her own hands and created this little beauty all by herself.

So inspiration or knock-off? Since it probably wasn’t created for commercial purposes but rather for personal use, I’m going to say inspiration.

And that makes it a chic cashmere find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Katy Kane Vintage & Couture Clothing.

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