Designers from Threadless to Ann Sui to Anthropologie to Gwen Stefani have all sued fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 for copyright infringement.
More than 50 designers, over the years, have stated that their creations have been “repurposed” by that company without consent or authorization. Eco-fashion label Feral Childe, which designs all its prints by hand, was their latest victim. Feral Childe is known for its funky and unique prints.
Copying Graphics
Designers Moriah Carlson and Alice Wu were unaware that their graphics (which they usually print on sustainable fabrics such as organic silk or cotton) had been stolen. This was until they observed an individual in a NYC street clothed in a dress of fabric that resembled theirs but the actual dress was not their design. They later observed the same dress on another individual and determined that it had been purchased recently at Forever 21. They acquired one of the dresses, having checked online and in stores and examined it. Of course, the designers are currently suing as they were very offended by the copy.
As it has done in the past, Forever 21 is known to settle out of court and simply move on copying other designer’s work.
Ecosalon was told by Feral Childe that Forever 21 showed no respect or concern for the artwork’s origin and their mass reproduction of other’s textile design without their permission was very unethical, and in direct violation of the laws. They also said that it was frustrating that such a large company, earning in excess of a billion dollars a year in revenues, would audaciously appropriate the artistic creations of small companies such as theirs.
Knock off Empire
Forever 21 was referred to as a “bizarre knock off empire” by Jezebel in an article that looked at the questionable practices of the company. They produce clothing of a low quality, also known as throw-away clothes or fast fashion, because they can be worn only a few times before they have to be discarded. Undoubtedly, the company represents the conclusion of all that is negative about fashion today. It has low quality products that don’t last, low or underpaid workers, uses polluting fabrics, and has no regard for the creative integrity of designers. Unbelievably, on 5th Avenue, the store recently opened its flagship store.
An in-depth article printed in Business Week on Forever 21, reported that most of the items produced by the company was sewn out of the U.S. but a small number were still produced in L.A. When the writer of the article located one such factory in the U.S. she reported that a number of the doors to that facility were open, making it easy to walk around unannounced. In one case, she reported, in a room without appropriate company identification, approximately 30 workers were sewing vests of cotton, in a tiny hot room for Forever 21.
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