This Upcycling Project Is Fighting Dupes for Independent Designers

It is absolutely no secret that fast fashion brands copy from ethical brands and independent creators. They are notorious for stealing designs because it goes without saying that they lack originality and morals. We already discussed this in Part 1 on how fast fashion steals designs from independent creators. You can read it here, and it includes a real life story involving Blogilates founder and fitness influencer Cassey Ho.

Now there is an update from that very case.

One of the brands that stole her signature Pirouette Skort design has agreed to take all the infringing products off their shelves, in a rare win.

But in a shocking move, they said they would destroy the entire stock. Yes, burn or dump all that fabric instead of owning up or redirecting it. That shows how wasteful and careless the system is.

And now drumroll... upcycling comes to the rescue.

(Image credits: Cassey Ho - Popflex Upcycle Project)

Cassey had asked them to send her the dupes because she could not digest that so much usable clothing would go to waste. So guess what she did? She reached out to two independent designers to upcycle that entire dupe stock.

She said it herself that we need to stand up for independent designers and original work, especially against this greedy dupe culture and billion dollar corporations that keep profiting off others creativity.

Back to storytime, the skorts were repurposed into upcycled dresses. And now, through the Popflex Upcycle Project, there is even a downloadable upcycling kit available, featuring dress patterns to help you upcycle along with those dupes. All proceeds from the project go directly to the two creators who helped bring this to life.

It sure is a nice full circle moment but also a reminder of how independent designers are unfairly put under pressure. Imagine young artists with no legal team, no reach, no way to fight back.

Also, just look at the approach here. One brand copies from a creator and then carelessly decides to dump the dupes simply to get it over with. And on the other end, the independent creator steps in thoughtfully and comes up with a plan that benefits other creators. 

One of the designers she chose actually upcycles thrift and preloved clothing into her own designs. Isn't this how the fashion industry should function, supporting one another instead of doing the exact opposite?

Dupe culture has become a money machine that rips off small independent designers, and its easiest targets are the ones with the least power. The longer we normalize this, the faster independent art, voices, and visions disappear.

Maybe it is time we speak up and act as their voice.
Because this is how independent art gets destroyed.

And this is one way to fight it.