H&M sparks internet fury with its latest design

Hey Mark,

Thanks for your comment. To be honest I think this may be a genuine story in which H&M have shamefully ripped off an innocent artist.

When I first spotted the H&M door mat in their Oxford Street store a few months ago, I did pause and do the whole ‘tilt my head to one side’ and question where had I’d seen that image before.
And to be honest the penny didn’t really drop, till I’d spotted that Mail Online story the other day and realised that I’d seen that image years ago on Buzz Feed, and had emailed it to my mum as I thought it was so cute!

So shame on H&M for ripping of the innocent artists work!

Though in H&M’s defence, I do wonder whether this debate opens the can of worms about other art work in the world, as it’s not uncommon to see fake versions of iconic art work such as Banksy in home interior stores across London.
Whilst I don’t agree with brands like H&M and Paperchase ripping off innocent artists I personally think there is a shady line behind the copyright laws when it comes to the fashion industry.

The fashion industry is notoriously known for its ‘6 point rule’ in which high street brands can replicate what they see on the catwalk as along as it has ‘6 points’ of difference. E.g. Longer/shorter strap, different lining, material, colours, badge, added extras such as studs/zips

Till someone steps in to draw a clear and defined line in the sand, I don’t think this would be the last example of a big brand ripping off independent artists.

^Sharon Chan