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Is Aldi stealing from artists? Aussie designer devastated after Aldi releases a product identical to hers: “This really does break my heart.”
Unfortunately, one of the biggest struggles that most modern artists and creators go through is their masterpiece being used or replicated without credit or permission. Whether it’s digital art, fashion, music or traditional paintings, seeing your hard work selfishly grabbed by someone else is enough to leave even the most forgiving person feeling cheated.
We can only imagine how Aussie designer, Sharnee Thorpe, feels after discovering that Aldi released their own version of what looks like her own rug design.
Wandering folk designer and founder, Sharnee Thorpe
Sharnee Thorpe is the owner of a small business called ‘Wandering Folk’ which specialises in crafting premium picnic goods such as baskets, glassware, throws, and rugs. She shares that the business idea came about during a rainy camping trip where they found themselves sitting in their ‘swags’ in an attempt to keep off the wet ground. All their products are hand-drawn and designed single-handedly by Sharnee.
The creator recently shared her disappointment in an Instagram video when she realised her designs are allegedly getting replicated by the popular supermarket chain, Aldi.
"After seven years of blood sweat and tears, this really does break my heart…" Sharnee wrote as a caption to her post. "Aldi has released a picnic rug that looks to be ‘Inspired by’ Wandering Folk. Sadly there is nothing we can do except educate everyone on always supporting creatives.”
"Big retailers will always seek out boutique brands to follow and I just want to remind you all that the creatives behind brands work so hard to bring their idea to life and it really is like a stab to the heart when you see this happen…" She continued.
"We know we are not alone in this battle, we encourage you to share this video and remember to always #supportcreatives."
The blankets that Aldi put up for sale cost $49.99. Meanwhile, Wandering Folk’s blankets retail for $190 each.
Comparing the products side-by-side. (Left ones are Sharnee’s creations, Right ones are from Aldi) Credit: @sharneethorpe
Sharnee shared with 7news that it took her several months to work on the design. She also added that upon finding out about the issue, her first instinct was to break into tears but she sprung into action and swiftly hired a lawyer to reach out to Aldi.
A spokesperson for Aldi responds to the case in a statement provided by Yahoo Lifestyle. "Boho inspired design is a trend that has been forecast in the textiles industry at large. We will investigate this allegation from this business. However, we are confident that our product inspiration was derived from broad market trends. There are many different styles of boho-inspired picnic rugs available to consumers, our product was just one of them."
Many users thought this was unethical of the big corporation and felt enraged.
“Oh, Sharnee, I'm so sorry. Not ‘inspired’ by at all. Down right copied! A cheaply made version of your heart and soul. They should be ashamed of themselves. I can see your heartbreak. Sending
” one person said. “That’s so sad, it is so unethical to copy designs like this!
Sorry to hear Sharnee.” wrote another. “The worst feeling in the world. So sorry to hear this. We know how hard it is to build a brand. The long days, the hard decisions and sacrifices. Sadly for a small brand to pursue through courts is so costly and takes years.” a third added.
What are your thoughts on this story? Comment them down below.
Watch the full video of Sharnee Thorpe’s situation below:
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