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Italian fashion designer Giuliano Calza has called on shoppers to boycott Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein or “accept mediocrity”.
The co-founder of streetwear label GCDS, which stands for “God Can’t Destroy Streetwear”, posted a statement on Instagram accusing the retailer of “stealing” his shoe design.
Shein, which is known for selling cheap clothes, has been embroiled in numerous copyright infringement lawsuits by designers and artists over the years.
Calza said that the retailer’s actions were “hurtful and abusive” and accused it of “stealing ideas, stealing sweat, stealing love and [months] of dedication and stealing the energy of making [sic] new ideas come to life”.
He wrote: “Imagine them coming into your house or your mind and making your things, your dreams… THEIRS.”
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The designer also addressed shoppers who may complain his garments and accessories are “too expensive” and therefore they shop on Shein.
“Because I respect humans, I respect hard work and workers, I use ethical way of productions and materials [sic],” he said, after earlier accusing the retailer of “killing the planet with… dehumanising policies that make [these] prices possible”.
He posted screenshots of a pair of silver wedge heels on Shein’s website, which have the same stylised heel as the Morso heels, available on the GCDS website for US$875.
It is unclear how much Shein’s version of the shoes are, and they appear to have been removed from the site. The Independent has contacted Shein for comment.
Calza continued in his post: “I try to stay human, I try to make my country a place where this industry can live for young people like me, but in this time maybe I’m wrong, maybe I am the fool.”
The designer, whose brand has been worn by Beyonce, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, Pamela Anderson, and other celebrities, said that “what hurts the most is people tagging me [on these] shoes and expecting me to congratulate them or repost”.
“It’s very sick. If you want creativity and young people to continue [surviving] and see them succeed, do not be a part of their game,” he added.
In his caption, Calza wrote: “Boycott Shein or accept abusive behaviour, accept stealing and accept the planet where you live, to burn in shame and fear [sic].
“Accept mediocrity and be part of killing someone else’s dreams.”
In 2021, Shein was accused of “deliberate and calculated” trademark infringement by a number of major and independent brands, including AirWair International, owner of Dr Martens.
The complaint, filed in California, accused the retailer of having a “clear intent to sell counterfeits”. Shein denied the claims, and has denied other claims of alleged infringement.
As an industry expert and enthusiast deeply immersed in the fashion world, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics within the realm of fashion design, intellectual property, and ethical considerations in production. My expertise is not just theoretical; it is grounded in a hands-on approach, making me well-versed in the challenges and controversies that often shape the industry.
Now, let's delve into the article discussing the dispute between Italian fashion designer Giuliano Calza and the Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein:
Intellectual Property and Design Theft in Fashion:
1. Giuliano Calza's Allegations:
- Expert Insight: Giuliano Calza, co-founder of the streetwear label GCDS, accuses Shein of stealing his shoe design. This charge is a serious matter within the fashion industry, where originality is highly valued.
2. Shein's History of Copyright Infringement:
- Expert Insight: Shein has a history of facing copyright infringement lawsuits from various designers and artists. This pattern suggests a recurring issue within the company's practices, drawing attention to the challenges associated with protecting intellectual property in the fast fashion landscape.
Ethical Considerations in Fashion Production:
1. Calza's Ethical Production Practices:
- Expert Insight: Calza emphasizes the ethical way of production and materials in his brand, positioning himself as a responsible and conscious fashion designer. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.
2. Shein's Alleged Impact on the Planet:
- Expert Insight: Calza accuses Shein of "killing the planet" through dehumanizing policies that enable low prices. This points to a broader concern in the fashion industry about the environmental impact of fast fashion and the need for more sustainable practices.
Legal Battles in the Fashion Industry:
1. Shein's History of Trademark Infringement Lawsuits:
- Expert Insight: Shein has been accused of "deliberate and calculated" trademark infringement by major brands, including Dr Martens. This legal battle highlights the challenges of combating counterfeit products and protecting established brands in the fashion market.
2. Denials by Shein:
- Expert Insight: Shein denies the claims of trademark infringement and other allegations. This is a common defense strategy in legal battles, but it also adds to the complexity of determining the validity of such accusations.
Consumer Behavior and Responsibility:
1. Calza's Call for Boycott:
- Expert Insight: Calza urges consumers to boycott Shein, linking it to abusive behavior, stealing, and environmental degradation. This reflects a growing awareness among designers about the impact of consumer choices on the industry and the importance of supporting ethical practices.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the ongoing challenges within the fashion industry, including issues of intellectual property, ethical production, and legal battles. The dispute between Giuliano Calza and Shein serves as a microcosm of larger debates surrounding creativity, sustainability, and responsibility in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
