A plus-size boutique operator which claims its designs have been replicated in the freshly launched Leona + by Leona Edmiston range is preparing to upstage its fashion launch next week.
Online retailer Style and Substance has claimed more than five designs from labels Kiyonna and Igigi have been ripped off by department store Myer, which has just launched the collaborative venture with designer Leona Edmiston.
The retailer claimed the breach followed a transaction in March this year, where ten designs were ordered and shipped to a buyer at the Myer head office.
It is understood the two US-based labels are preparing legal action against the department store, however a Myer spokesperson told www.ragtrader.com.au no such formal communication has been received.
"Myer has not received any written complaint from either Kathryn Heaven or any US based companies including those which produce Kiyonna and Igigi branded apparel."
Style and Substance founder Kathryn Heaven revealed she will stage a quiet protest at the department store's 'Big Is Beautiful' parade at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney next week.
Heaven and six representatives have booked front-row seats at the Tuesday event, and will wear Kiyonna's 'Tory' and 'Vivienne' cinch dresses to the parade.
"These are the two styles which have been copied seam for seam," Heaven said. "We will have girls sized from US12 to US32 wearing them in shades of red and coral, deep ink navy and black."
For more on this, pick up a copy of Ragtrader's August 26 edition.