L.A. Artist Claims Zara Stole Her Designs, Bragged About Getting More Hits On Their Website

Artist and designer Tuesday Bassen makes cute pins and patches, among other items. And wouldn't you know it?: Zara started selling some pins and patches that were suspiciously similar. To put this in politically topical terms, Zara may have Melania Trump'd Bassen's Michelle Obama. Bassen, 27, boasts an impressive resume, designing products for Urban Outfitters, Nike and other top brands, according to the Daily Mail. She recently posted to social media several examples of items she had designed next to items from the Zara store that were practically identical. She said she became aware of Zara's merchandise after some of her followers on social media alerted her to them.

The retailer's response to Bassen's accusations of plagiarism are even stranger still. She posted what she said was a letter from Zara, saying they "reject" her claims, stating her designs are not distinct enough for anyone to associate them with Zara and pointing out they they net more page views on their websites than she does on hers.

(Photo via Twitter)
Another artist included other alleged examples of Zara copying independent designers:

Bassen also claimed that brands like Pity Party Corporation and Rosehound Apparel have also had to deal with Zara's supposed borrowing, according to Racked.

Bassey tweeted that though she plans to "press further charges," many independent artists often don't have the money to combat big companies like Zara. She wrote, "I want to point out that most artists don't even get this far. The ‘luxury’ of spending $2K for a lawyer to write a letter is something most artists cannot afford."

Want to support Bassen? Buy something from her shop. This Los Angeles patch is cute and it's only $10.

Tuesday Bassen's L.A. Patch (Photo via ShopTuesday)