Adventures in Copyright
Adventures in Copyright: Zara Created in the Likeness of Betty
By Steff Yotka
This weekend personal style blogger Betty, from Le Blog de Betty, posted a picture of a Zara t-shirt that appears to have an illustrated version of her likeness on it. If we were her, we’re not sure if we’d be flattered or disturbed.
It’s undeniable that the illustration on the tee shirt was drawn from the photo of Betty. The Zara artists didn’t bother to change any details, from the hair, the denim vest, the peace sign, to the sunglasses. The most notable difference, and only, is the heart pattern that has replaced the logo on the giant cup.
Zara is not new to copying, this Miu Miu-esque cat print romper will prove. Copying Miu Miu is one thing, but why Zara would copy a photo of a blogger and turn it into a mediocre illustration–and honestly, kind of weird–t-shirt is beyond our understanding.
If Zara wants to get in on the blogger trend, why don’t they try building a Web site that’s easier to use, thereby allowing fashion-bloggers to easily scan the site and share their favorites with the world?
Tags: Le Blog de Betty, Zara
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Comments [21]
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Wow. I'm curious to see how/if Zara responds.
Wow. I'm curious to see how/if Zara responds.
Wow. I'm curious to see how/if Zara responds.
Eh….I don't think it's all that bad.
Eh….I don't think it's all that bad.
Eh….I don't think it's all that bad.
It sounded like Betty was dropping the issue but appreciated the support she got from her readers. It's definitely from the pic, individual hairs are drawn that are the same. One question is whether it's from a sub to Zara or Zara themselves…either way, bad form.
i don't know what the legalities are for such a thing but it comes across as more flattering than “wrong.”
its flatering I think but they should have asked her or at least give her some compensation for using her since they copied her pic exactly
Great subject I'm engry with us
All artists use references for their illustrations. I don't think it's a big deal. It's not like they used her photo.
LOL on your Zara website note.
good point – the zara website is next to useless…
Agree that Zara website is useless. I think also that they should compensate Betty for using her image. Even if they changed a couple of details, it is clearly her image they are using.
Its called “Appropriation” –> using a person's image without permission for a commercial purpose. She could definitely sue for an injunction, and maybe money if she can show some kind of economic harm. (Can you tell I'm sitting in a barbri course?)
I don't know what a barbri course is, but this is an interesting subject. The illustration comes across as a caricature so my first thought was that it was something permissible….
i love ZARA :) i think thats cute hehe
http://globalshoppe.com/
I thought it was really bad when I read her post too until I read this other perspective, pretty interesting: http://ganymedekids.blogspot.com/2010/05/zara-b…
And a short TED talk about copyright in fashion: http://www.ted.com/talks/johanna_blakley_lesson…
zara should just give betty a free t shirt. end of story.
they probably will just give her a free t-shirt and a gift certificate and then she can go back to buying products with designs ripped off other people and totally love it, lol
Wow so lame…
Another blog inspired Zara t-shirt : http://www.misspandora.fr/zara-we-have-a-proble…