Fast fashion mega-brand Forever 21 is under fire again for producing designs a little too similar to original pieces by other designers.
Not all Asians look the same, not all shirts should look the same
Forever 21 has had a bad history of being a copy-cat of major brands such as Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg and Anthropologie, but this time, the brand may have hit an all-time low coming out with a pattern strikingly similar to that of an original design from socially-conscious New York label Feral Childe.
Feral Childe designers Alice Wu and Moriah Carlson have already filed suit against Forever21 for “stealing their hand-drawn, copyrighted “Teepee” print, which took months of collaboration to create.”
Feral Childe's print on left, Forever 21 on right. Photo: Donger / Burrroughs APC
Feral Childe produces their entire line in New York’s Garment Center and has, according to Wu, “always strived to create the very best in innovative, ethically-produced clothing that is made to last.” She continues, “Forever 21′s copying and mass production of our original textile design without our permission is just plain wrong.”
According to the press release, issued by Feral Childe’s legal representation, “a review of the above images makes clear that Forever 21 has continued in its campaign to steal outright the creative output of some of the brightest minds in the apparel industry, and trample the intellectual property rights of others in an attempt to boost profits.” The case is currently pending in the Central District of Los Angeles, California.
Other designers are standing by Feral Childe: Change.org, an online petition campaign has been created, calling on the mega retailer Forever21 to remove the design.
Anna Sui dress on left, Forever 21 top on right. Photo: EcoSalon
“It’s bad enough that Forever21 makes cheap clothes for disposable consumption with production practices that harm factory workers and the environment,” said Eliza Starbuck, a Brooklyn-based eco-designer whose work has been featured in Glamour, The New York Times and other major outlets, who created the petition on Change.org. “Now, by copying one of Feral Childe’s designs and selling it for $15.80 a tang top, Forever21 is not only saying it has no respect for original work of independent designers, the company is also undermining the entire eco-fashion movement and its effort to foster a broader sustainable ethic within the fashion industry.”
Trovata shirts top row, Forever 21 bottom row. Photo: NY Times
“This may seem like a small case,” said Corinne Ball, a Change.org Director of Organizing. “But Eliza Starbuck’s campaign to hold Forever 21 accountable in a very public manner will hopefully make Forever21 think twice about its practices in the future. Socially-responsible fashion designers will be better off for it.”
If you want to be a part of the campaign, check it out on Change.org.
Related Articles
Sigh…seems like fashion designers are not the only people Forever 21 is stealing from. Singer-songwriter David Choi was surprised to find lyrics from his song, “That Girl,” embossed on a Forever 21 tee-shirt. “I’m disappointed that Forever 21 [because I felt] like they didn’t have to ask permission to use my lyrics in their commercial [...]
Kitty, say Hello to Forever 21! The chic and fashion forward Forever 21 brand is now in collaboration with Hello Kitty by Sanrio. Forever 21 launches their new Hello Kitty collection at Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles, CA where Hello Kitty fanatics from all over Southern California united to join the party and they [...]
The winter chill is almost gone and Spring is here! The recent warm weather in Los Angeles made me think of one thing: it’s about time for bathing suit shopping! While the stores haven’t fully stocked on the latest swimwear collections from multiple brands, some online retailers are rolling out their two and one pieces [...]
I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of Hello Kitty cuteness. And since it’s her 35th birthday this year, she’s celebrating with all sorts of new goodies for Kitty-philes like me. A special commemorative book by Sanrio, in honor of Hello Kitty’s milestone birthday, is due out this year, and in it [...]
When it comes to fashion we always want to look our best, and for those who live for fashion we want to look the best and want the best. By wanting the best, we mean the best of texture, material, and rich in color – no matter what color that may be – and to [...]
Thanks for your introduction.
too bad that art you showed totally ripped off me and my art. i had tons of artwork withthat same design on it stolen. forever 21 steals the ideas from my closet as well, from stolen merchandise
Holy moly! Had to blog about that as soon as I read it. :O