Forever 21, Rue 21 Accused of Stealing Designs

Valfré alleges Rue 21 copied these designs for ear buds.

Total Retail’s Take: This is a continuing issue for independent designers. Fast-fashion companies like Zara and Forever 21 have been accused of copying the designs of small and independent designers to sell in mass to consumers. And although this is a moral and sometimes even legal issue, one study shows that consumers don’t really care if their clothes are inspired (or copied from) independent designers. One in two consumers admitted to buying look-a-likes, according to a survey by Intangible Business. Those who bought these items agreed with the statement that “copies let me buy designer-style goods at affordable prices.”