It’s no secret that designers often get knocked off by other companies. For hundreds of years, people have created designs only to have them ripped off by other designers for a cheaper price.
Luxury high-end designers often fall victim to this because of their high prices and exclusivity. Cheaper companies usually recreate a similar design at a much lower price point so more people have access to it while they also make money for taking someone else’s idea. At the same time, this knocks the credibility and exclusivity of high end designers because the whole point of it being high end is so that only the few who could afford it could wear it. For years companies have been dodging loopholes regarding copyrights and continue to copy designs from popular brands to further their own brand.
Big companies have also been accused on many instances of stealing designs from smaller brands. One instance that I witnessed go down on Instagram is from NYC Designer, Selangie Arlene. She is a local artist that creates all her designs herself and has gained popularity through her aesthetically pleasing Instagram account, @sel.doval. Recently she launched a bikini line which she describes as, “redefined the micro bikini as the string tinikini.”
At first, she released a very small amount with limited stock. It quickly sold out and she soon released more in different colors. This did not stop companies from copying her iconic silhouette.
As seen in the above picture, the similarities between the two are strikingly similar. Down to the micro strings on the sides and the cut of the bikini, it is clear that Oh Polly took this design from Doval. She addressed this controversy in a now deleted Instagram post calling the brand out for their swim designs. The brand did not respond and continues to sell this stolen design today on their website.
As shown, some fast fashion companies try to take the credit from hard working designers around the world. It is wrong for them to profit off the work of those that work hard for their creations. Companies should step up and pay reparations for what they took or simply create their own designs. To learn more about how to get out of the fast fashion cycle click here!
Beware of Fast Fashion 