Is Zara Stealing Art? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Is Zara Stealing Art?

What many don't know about the big fashion retailer...

96
Is Zara Stealing Art?
Highsnobiety

The original article was posted here on August 9, 2016.


Are the chic Zara designs you’re wearing actually stolen? Or is it merely “inspired art”? Indie artist Tuesday Bassen would argue the former.

Online Spanish clothing store and accessories retailer Zara has recently been under fire for multiple accounts of stolen art from many independent artists, including Tuesday Bassen. When asked by Bassen to stop stealing her art, they replied that "the lack of distinctiveness of her purported designs make it hard to see how a significant part of the world’s population would associate the art with her [Tuesday Bassen]."

They then proceeded to steal her art five more times. And she’s not alone.

Several artists’ designs have been closely or exactly reproduced into pins, embroidered decals and printed apparel, and there’s nothing wrong with that – except for the fact that none of these artists had signed licensing agreements with Zara, which is the standard way for artists to get commission for their original work being used.

Fortunately, Zara’s rip-off designs aren’t going unnoticed by the public. Several major magazines and news companies such as VOGUE, BuzzFeed , Nylon Magazine, BBC and i-Dhave all taken note of Zara’s blatant copying. Crucial coverage is slowly but surely making it into the international sphere through EL PAÍS España and Excite Japan because Zara is an international company, and their theft needs to be recognized not just on a national level but on an international one too.

It is important to note, however, that Zara is not the only fashion brand to have stolen designs from independent artists. Brands like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 have also been accused of art theft.

Adam J. Kurtz, fellow artist and friend of Bassen, has pointed out that Urban Outfitters has since improved and now legally and fairly carries his work, as well as Bassen’s and other independent artists’ work. “Mistakes do happen and big companies are made up of individual people,” Kurtz says. “But if it happens a dozen times in one season, that’s intentional…and it tells us that our work means nothing.”

So you might be wondering if you can even help to spread the news. The answer is yes! Shop Zara’s art theft on shoparttheft.com so the respective artists can get credit and profit for their designs. You can also save and share the graphic above in this article to get the word out. Don’t forget to tag Zara in it so someone somewhere working for Zara will have to go through the trouble of un-tagging the company from the photo.

And most importantly, boycott Zara so that they will have to do something about their theft.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16846
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7223
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5310
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4638
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments