10 Brands That Ripped Off Other Designers

#10: Supreme vs. Barbara Kruger

Supremes logo is an icon in the fashion industry. Its also not theirs. The bold white text on a red box? Thats the signature style of artist Barbara Kruger. Decades before Supreme slapped it on skateboards and hoodies, she established it in art galleries around the world. The deep irony is that Krugers work is a critique of consumerism. Supreme turned it into a brand built on hype and resale. When the company sued another label for copying their look, Kruger hit back. She used a very colorful term that expressed her feelings about these, quote, totally uncool jokers. Thats about as close to a mic drop as you get in the art world. Supreme may sell cool, but this design wasnt theirs to begin with.

#9: Guess vs. Gucci

When does inspired by venture into ripping off territory? Gucci says its when Guess started selling G-covered belts, bags, and shoes. For years, Guess used eerily familiar diamond patterns, interlocking Gs, and striped logos. Gucci noticed, and they were not pleased. In 2009, the Italian luxury giant sued for trademark infringement in multiple countries. The legal fight dragged on for nearly a decade. Gucci won big in Italy but lost some claims in the U.S. Eventually, the two brands settled. The takeaway: If you're going to mimic a fashion icon, expect a designer lawsuit to follow. And maybe... design your own G next time.

#8: Fashion Nova vs. Thierry Mugler

In 2019, Kim Kardashian wore a vintage Thierry Mugler gown to an awards show. Within days, Fashion Nova had a near-identical version up for sale. Fast fashion doesnt move THAT fast; it seemed clear that they had a copy in the chamber, and used the opportunity to launch it. Critics accused the brand of ripping off Muglers iconic design. They also raised eyebrows at how quickly Kims look went from red carpet to bargain rack. Kardashian denied tipping off the brand. Fashion Nova stayed quiet. But the evidence was on the runway and splashed across the internet. Muglers futuristic design was meant to be bold and one-of-a-kind. Instead, it got mass-produced and slapped with a discount code.

#7: Steve Madden vs. Balenciaga

Balenciaga was like an alpha wolf, leading the fashion pack and viciously defending their turf. In 2009, they sued Steve Madden over a lookalike of their wildly distinctive Lego heel. Maddens version hit stores fast, with bolder blocks and a cheaper tag. Balenciaga saw red - and yellow and blue - and took it to court. Years later, history repeated when they sued again, this time over a copy of their famous Motorcycle handbag. Both cases alleged straight-up design theft, not just inspired by flattery. Madden claimed it was all fair game, but Balenciaga wasnt having it. The fight stretched across borders and courtrooms before eventually ending in a confidential settlement. For Balenciaga, the message was clear: copy us, and well fight you tooth and nail.

#6: Vans vs. Primark

Vans built its brand on the Old Skool and Sk8Hi sneakers, complete with the unmistakable side stripe and the waffle sole. In 2017, Primark dropped near-identical shoes - same shape, same stripe, same vibe. Their shoes, though, sold at a fraction of the cost. Within a year, Vans hit the brakes and launched a lawsuit. The brand claimed Primark had copied its most iconic design, right down to the stripe and stitching. Vans went to legal war, accusing Primark of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. The case pointed to consumer confusion and social posts dubbing them "#fakeVans." The warning stuck: mimic a classic, and you might skate straight into legal trouble.

#5: ASOS and Indie Designers

This one wasnt just a copy: it was a straight up slap in the face. ASOS reps had the audacity to visit designer Laurie Lee's London showroom in 2017. They clearly enjoyed her Heart Breaker leather jacket. Her design was hand-painted, custom, and part of her brand identity. Months later, ASOS released a nearly identical jacket online. The timing? Suspicious. The look? Brazenly similar. ASOS denied wrongdoing, but the internet noticed. Fans rallied behind Lee, and the pressure workedthe jacket quietly vanished from ASOSs site. Other indie artists accused ASOS of similar violations. For them, this wasnt just about fashion. It was about trust. When a mega-brand shows up to your studio and walks off with your look, its corporate espionage.

#4: Urban Outfitters vs. Stevie Koerner

In 2011, Chicago jewelry designer Stevie Koerner got a nasty surprise. Urban Outfitters was selling necklaces nearly identical to her United States of Love line. Her pieces were handmade, shaped like the American states with tiny hearts in the middle. Urban Outfitters line had both an identical look and name. They were just mass-produced and uncredited. Koerner had built her brand on Etsy, so Urban Outfitters had the reach to bury her. She called them out on social media, and outrage followed. This wouldnt be the company's first controversy, nor their last. The retailer had already faced heat from the Navajo Nation for using the name Navajo on underwear and flasks without permission. That case led to a settlement in 2016. Koerners, sadly, didnt.

#3: Forever 21 vs. Gucci

History will always remember the War of the Roses. The Fashion industry will remember the War of the Stripes. In 2017, Forever 21 used Guccis signature green-red-green stripe on jackets and tops. After a few cease and desist letters, they filed a preemptive lawsuit to block Gucci from suing. It was thrown out of court, and Gucci sued. The companies eventually settled out of court. But this wasnt Forever 21s first copycat controversy. Theyve been called out by smaller, independent designers for years. In 2020, designer Emily Oberg said her Sporty & Rich brand was copied almost line-for-line. Forever 21 couldn't even be bothered to change the font. Others have told similar stories. For a brand built on trends, originality seems like an afterthought.

#2: Zara's Copycat Culture vs. Independent Artists

Zara doesnt just follow trends so closely - they're borderline stalking. In 2016, multiple independent artists accused the fast-fashion giant of ripping off their work without credit or compensation. One of the loudest voices was designer Tuesday Bassen. She noticed her quirky, colorful illustrations - like pins, lips, and cartoon girls - showing up on Zara products. Almost exact copies. When she called them out, Zara claimed to pull the items from their collections, brushing it off. More artists came forward with similar complaints. The brands copy-paste reputation stuck. While lawsuits are hard to win in fashion, public pressure made a dent. For many creators, Zara became the poster child for big brands taking without asking.

#1: Shein vs. Dr. Martens

Doc Martens boots are iconic. Their thick soles, yellow stitching, and punk rock attitude have been a staple of American counterculture for decades. So when Shein started selling lookalike footwear, it didnt go unnoticed. In 2024, Dr. Martens filed a lawsuit against Sheins parent company. They allegedly infringed on both design patents and trade dress. It wasnt the first time. Dr. Martens says they sent cease-and-desist letters twice before. Shein kept pumping out copycats. The lawsuit claims Shein profited off the knockoffs while muddying Dr. Martens brand image. Given Sheins history with fast-fashion controversy, the backlash came fast and loud online. For a company known for speed, Sheins legal troubles are catching up quickly.

Which of these knockoffs made you say ugh, as if? Let us know in the comments below!