Thread by @businessinsider

An Insider investigation has revealed new allegations of fashion influencer Danielle Bernstein copying designs.

Fashion-industry professionals suggest it’s a pattern of behavior that disregards industry norms and tests the limits of copyright law.👇 bit.ly/36l7lTP

Current and former @onia__ employees, WeWoreWhat’s production partner, say Bernstein (@WeWoreWhat) receives samples from brands and designers with the expectation she will promote them, but instead pushes workers to mimic designs under her own name.
insider.com/danielle-berns…

At least five independent designers have accused Bernstein of stealing sample designs they sent her – one of which being @khalawhitney from @fromgrayscale who accused Bernstein of copying her skirt. businessinsider.com/danielle-berns…

In a similar situation, the founders of @livetheprocess sent her a set of their knitwear after Bernstein messaged them on Instagram. Months later, the brand’s co-founder noticed she had copied the company’s shirt in her line with Macy’s. businessinsider.com/danielle-berns…

Copyright is hard to prove in fashion. But if a pencil skirt features a specific pattern, embellishment, etc. that is “substantially similar” to another designer’s existing pattern, then that is grounds for litigation, which is what @thegreateros_ argued. businessinsider.com/the-great-eros…

Insider spoke to nine production and design professionals who have worked at @onia__. The pressure they felt to remake clothing to Bernstein’s specifications alienated some of their designers. businessinsider.com/danielle-berns…

Stress around production schedules and the perceived pressure to copy contributed to what some @onia__ employees described as a tense, unpredictable workplace. businessinsider.com/danielle-berns…

Bernstein has previously dismissed accusations that she has copied designs. Subscribe to read the full story.👇 businessinsider.com/danielle-berns…