Fast fashion giant Missguided has been accused of 'blatantly' copying the design of black-owned business with one of their latest swimsuits.
The UK-based online retailer was branded 'beyond lazy' by furious shoppers, who spotted similarities between their design and that of independent label, Destinationswimwear.
Critics of the brand slammed it for hypocrisy, stating it claims to stand for 'diversity and equality' while appearing to have copied the work of Desintationswimwear's black owner, Racquel Simone, who is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Missguided has been accused of 'blatantly' copying the design of black-owned business with one of their latest swimsuits. Missguided's version is pictured right, while the 'original' designed by Racquel Simone is pictured left
Racquel became aware of the similarity after a friend called out Missguided on social media for their alleged copying. Her friend, known only as Nikki, tweeted on Saturday: 'A friend of mine has her own bikini line and posted this today'
Photos shared on Twitter show the resemblance between Missguided's $13 Orange Leopard One Shoulder swimsuit and Destinationswimwear's $80 'Palm Springs' suit.
Both feature the exact same striking purple and orange animal print pattern, as well as an asymmetrical shoulder.
While Missguided's bathing suit features a cut-out portion which is not featured on the 'original', both swimsuits also feature an on-trend high leg design and thong fit at the back.
Racquel says she 'deserves recognition' for her design, which was launched back in May 2019.
Racquel , pictured, says she 'deserves recognition' for her design, which was launched back in May 2019
Photos shared on Twitter show the resemblance between Missguided's $13 Orange Leopard One Shoulder swimsuit (left) and Destinationswimwear's $80 'Palm Springs' suit (right). Both feature the exact same striking purple and orange animal print pattern, as well as an asymmetrical shoulder. Missguided's bathing suit (right) features a cut-out portion which is not featured on the 'original', both swimsuits also feature an on-trend high leg design and thong fit at the back.
Missguided denied there had been any duplication.
A spokesman for Missguided said: 'This is not a copy. The Missguided design was first created in-house in 2019 and the orange and blue leopard print was one we also sourced last year.
'We'd be more than happy to share our bespoke designs and sources with this swimwear company if they get in touch.'
Racquel (pictured) explained that she was 'feeling a little overwhelmed by the reaction to the tweet' and that she had seen her designs copied before
Racquel became aware of the similarity after a friend called out Missguided on social media for their alleged copying.
Her friend, known only as Nikki, tweeted on Saturday: 'A friend of mine has her own bikini line and posted this today!
'Missguided clearly ran out of creativity and had to look at a smaller business.
'Support Destinationswimwear, a black-owned business, instead of Missguided.'
Nikki's tweet quickly went viral, racking up more than thousand likes and retweets, many echoing her thoughts and slamming Missguided
Racquel said: 'I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the reaction to the tweet, I didn't think it would get this much traction.
'This also has happened before with another brand taking one of my designs.
'I try not to let it affect me, because I do know that imitation is a form of flattery but at the same time I work hard as a creative and deserve recognition.
'A few of my friends have messaged Missguided about it, they said they have seen the messages but have not responded.
Her tweet quickly went viral, racking up more than thousand likes and retweets.
One user was annoyed Missguided openly supports the Black Lives Matter movement while appearing to 'copy designs' from black designers
One user quoted the tweet, saying: 'Don't make me cancel Missguided. Is it that hard to come up with your own designs?' If you have to look at other black artists for inspiration that's one thing. But having the balls to copy the exact suit is so grimy and weak. At least ask if you can use it.'
Another added: 'This is beyond lazy, they literally just took scissors to one side and said 'buy it'.
A third said: 'Theirs look cheap and ugly compared to hers. Y'all gotta stop copying people's hard work and creativity because you make yourself and your business look bad.'
A fourth fumed: 'These brands come out saying how much they support BLM and do s*** like this.'
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