Lara Bingle design a copy: US designer

US swimsuit designer Lisa Marie Fernandez has accused three Australian retailers, including one linked with Lara Bingle, of copying her designs.

Lara Bingle

A swimsuit range linked to Lara Bingle has been accused of copying a US swimwear maker's design. (AAP)

A swimsuit range bearing Lara Bingle's name has been accused of copying a US swimwear maker's designs.

Lisa Marie Fernandez claims the Cotton On Body collection featuring the Australian model's designs is a blatant copy of her work.

Fernandez is credited with being the first designer to use neoprene, the synthetic rubber material used in wet suits, in swimwear in 2009.

The designer says Cotton On's neo one-piece is not the only time an Australian label has tried to pass off copies as original creations, and has accused two other brands, Triangl and N.L.P, of ripping off her products.

"Many of these people ... have been shamelessly copying our product," Fernandez told News Corp Australia.

She said her label has sought legal advice and will send a letter of warning to Cotton On, Triangl and N.L.P.

Comment is being sought from the labels.

Fernandez, who is friends with Bingle on social media, says the 26-year-old had shown her the original designs for her Cotton On collection.

However, those swimsuits were different to the range being promoted by the retailer.

"It was authentic, but it was nothing like what came out after," she said.

She said both Cotton On and Bingle have a responsibility not to infringe on intellectual property, but she understood the company has the final say when it comes to its designs.

"I don't know how much power she has with a big company like Cotton On," Fernandez said.

She said she wanted to discuss the matter with Bingle personally but the model is attending New York Fashion Week with beau Sam Worthington.

"I wanted to say to her one girl to another," said Fernandez.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world