Tuesday March 27, 2001

Oscar's Fashion Knockoffs

Most people follow it for fun but this designer has a mission. His name is Victor Costa and for the last fifteen years, the native Texan's mission has been to copy designer Oscar gowns. Costa says, "We move forward as quickly as possible, and sometimes it can take a week to get it on the line."

In the report, "Extra" warns you not to expect a Victor Costa knockoff to appear at your local Kmart or Sears. Saks Fifth Avenue is one of Costa's biggest clients. Victor says, "We hope to have these Oscar looks in the stores for between $300 - $500."

This year alone, Costa tells "Extra" that there were two big winners on the red carpet-Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lopez.

"I think she stole the show as having that one star dress," Costa said, referring to Oscar winner Julia Roberts.

Costa's absolute favorite winner of the red carpet was Jennifer Lopez in Chanel. "She had separates. She had really what's happening."

Within hours of the broadcast Costa prepared sketches and mockups. What are the designer reactions about this "imitator"? Costa says Christian Lacroix surprised him. "I thought, 'oh my god! He's really gonna kick me in the you know what."

Actually, Lacroix, told Costa the complete opposite. "Victor, it's such a compliment the way you can do me so inexpensive. You're making me famous."