Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede’s denim-centric clothing label Good American — beloved for its inclusive sizing, on-trend offerings and body-positive marketing campaigns — has been accused of plagiarism. On June 2, Designer Destiney Bleu of dbleudazzled (which counts Beyoncé, Ashley Graham, Serena Williams and Lady Gaga among its clients) took to Twitter to call out the reality TV star turned designer.
Bleu claims that the sheer black and flesh-tone jewel-encrusted bodysuits shown in a recent Good American promo are eerily similar to her own designs. Bleu also holds that Kardashian bought “one of everything” on her site back in December, but neither wore nor posted her purchases. (Fairly damning evidence, if it turns out to be true.)
When someone buys 1 of everything on your site, has you make them custom @dbleudazzled work, never posts it or wears it, then copies it. https://t.co/hylp6fcOdh
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
In case you’re wondering. #NoFrauds pic.twitter.com/r1XPD2nJEr
— dbleudazzled ® (@dbleudazzled) June 2, 2017
It’s hard to deny the resemblance between the designs. At least Twitter seems to think so — many users were quick to side with Bleu. (Of course, others have accused her of attention-seeking.)
Today taught me 1. How important it is to be a solid person and hard worker. 2. Strangers on the internet will have your back because of #1.
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 3, 2017
LOL at people commenting Im trying to use the Kardashians for a come up. Check my resume before you step to me. https://t.co/c4NoOAUar1
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 3, 2017
Bleu plans to pursue legal action against Kardashian despite the potential pitfalls. She went so far as to make public her timeline of events. According to Bleu, Kardashian not only took credit for Bleu’s designs, but failed to deliver the revenue-boosting publicity that would come from her wearing a dbleudazzled piece in public.
Every sitster in the fam owns all of my tights. Khloe literally bought one of everything and had me personally make her custom items too. https://t.co/FqK6qjMXLf
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
I was so excited to make a custom Cavs jersey for KK cuz Im from there, I bought crazy inventory because I knew theyd sell when she wore..
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
I was also super excited when her sisters used my pieces in their lookbook, not realizing they were also passing it off as their own.
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
Last week that clothing line hit me wanting a nude bodysuit w/nipple bursts. I asked them what it was for cuz Kk had copied one…..
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
Of course they went ghost. Just like Khloes assistant when I sent an email calling her out.
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
These purchases were made in December, I thought she was holding out to wear for NBA Finals. Nope. It was all being sent away to copy.
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
I had stylists friends working on the Good American set and they told me they were shook when they saw her black x nude @dbleudazzled copies
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
I know its prolly unprofessional of me to spill the tea but I’ve had it with these non creative millionaires stealing from indie designers.
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
I have an epic resume and have outstanding relationships with my clients. Im not sitting back and letting this snake shit slide.
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
Dazzle is my livelihood. I pay 3 rents, 5 employees & handmake everything. I did it w/no investment or guidance, I’ll always fight for this
— destiney bleu (@destineybleu) June 2, 2017
Good American denies the allegations. “Under no circumstances did Good American or Khloe Kardashian infringe on another brand’s intellectual property,” the brand told Cosmo in an exclusive statement, adding that they are “going through the proper legal channels to handle the situation.”
It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds. Experience tells us that, in cases of intellectual property theft, there’s little that small companies can do to fight mass retailers. That said, Good American is still a fledgling (highly successful) brand, and if Bleu can prove her case, she could make a considerable dent in its credibility. Many Instagram users are already up in arms, though it’s unclear whether these are would-be Good American customers or simply Kardashian trolls.
Image: @khloekardashian
[ via Allure ]
