Rohit Bal calls out ‘copycat’ behaviour

Plagiarism is hardly new to fashion — be it in India or on the global stage — but thanks to social media, copycat behaviour has become easier to catch. And, the same came in handy for designer Rohit Bal, who spotted a copy of his creation on Facebook.

Model Amit Dahiya’s profile picture, a shot from designer Seema Mehta’s collection, had him wearing a velvet mandarin-collared jacket with distinctive floral embroidery — a creation strikingly similar to Bal’s design that he showcased for his summer/resort 2016 collection in Mumbai.

Incidentally, Bal’s design was also worn by Dahiya on the runway. After noticing the similarity, Bal posted a strongly-worded status update on Facebook: “The original by Rohit Bal on the ramp. The fake by some parasitical designer. Adding her name would be giving her unnecessary publicity. We are surrounded by wannabes and parasitical desperate designers who should really hide their heads in shame and not strip this creative art of all its dignity and respect. Shame on you SM. She has also used the same model. Just the height of blatant shamelessness and utter disrespect for this profession. Feeling disgusted and appalled.” (sic)

When contacted, Bal insisted on not naming the designer, but did add that the issue of plagiarism was larger, and that he intended to tackle it head on.

“I don’t really wish to harm her. She just needs to get the message. However, there are much bigger fish in the ocean who need to be exposed. I am compiling a list of my originals and their copies of our designs. They even sell them as our designs blatantly. Will expose them soon!” he said.

We tried to contact Mumbai-based designer Seema Mehta to address the allegation, but her phone was switched off. She is reportedly travelling outside the country.

I don’t really wish to harm her. She just needs to get the message. However, there are much bigger fish in the ocean who need to be exposed ROHIT BAL, FASHION DESIGNER

PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/ ROHITBAL

The original velvet jacket by Rohit Bal (left) and the very similar creation by Seema Mehta (right)