On the subject of origins, here’s what we’ve written on the Behind the Seams blog:

• Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection has inspired DIYers to copy the French fashion line’s bleached denim, military jackets, and studded miniskirts. Get the lowdown on the Revenge of the ’80s here.
• Textile recycling in Japan is slowly making its way into brands with a U.S. presence, including Uniqlo. Yet another use for plastic soda bottles.
• Most fragrance companies have switched from using authentic plant-derived ingredients to synthetics, altering the original formulations. The exceptions are an odd pairing: Chanel No. 5 and several noteworthy organic brands.
• These personal style websites feature inspirational examples of real-world style that you might see on a sidewalk near you.
• A group of high-end jewelry designers won an injunction against OverstockJewelers.com, an e-tailer that was marketing knockoff jewels using the designer name. Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Gucci, and Bulgari felt it’s one thing to rip off a design, but to steal the name too is a step too far.