Balenciaga has been accused of plagiarism after the brand posted an image looking strikingly similar to a concept developed by a fashion student.
Vietnamese studentTra My Nguyen worked on her Master’s Project over a year ago at the University of Berlin. Her project was based on the culture of female motorcyclists in Vietnam, a theme that was personal to her as her mother had to sell her bike for them to afford their move to Germany. Her work saw motorbikes draped in garments, turning them into “wearable sculptures,” she said.
Nguyen told CNN that her “idea was to deconstruct the emerging street style in Vietnam, dubbed as Street Ninja.”
“I collaged UV protection clothes from Vietnam over a motorbike to create wearable sculptures,” she noted.
In October 2019, Balenciaga contacted her regarding her portfolio as the team was looking for interns, but went silent after receiving her work. Later on, the artist saw that the luxury brand had posted a photo that was similar to her artistic project, but this time, vehicles were draped in Balenciaga garments.
Nguyen said she was never asked for permission to have her work used by the brand. “I am not your moodboard,” she addressed issue in an Instagram story, demanding an apology from the brand. “I feel betrayed and hurt as it’s a part of my culture, it’s an artistic process and not a random fashionable aesthetic you can profit on,” she added.
Nguyen has alerted universities to ensure that their students’ intellectual properties are protected. In an email to CNN, she said she also wanted to make sure that “people are more aware of the exploitation of young creatives,” especially students who are black, indigenous and people of color.
“Not only do big brands steal students’ artistic ideas and intellect, but also expect them to work for free as interns,” she explained.
