“The original design vs Maria B's knockoff!"
Maria B found herself accused of copying designs for her Palestine campaign.
Accusations of appropriating an artist’s illustration without due credit have cast a shadow over Maria B’s reputation.
It has sparked a wave of criticism and scrutiny within the fashion industry.
The controversy unfolded when activist Leena Ghani shed light on the alleged design theft.
She drew attention to striking similarities between a piece from Maria B’s collection and an original illustration credited to a page named palestinequebec.
By posting the two works side by side, Ghani highlighted the resemblance.
Leena Ghani wrote: “The original design vs Maria B’s knockoff! And then she has the audacity to call herself an artist and a designer.”
She also labelled Maria B “greedy” and accused her of profiting off the conflict in Palestine.
Ghani added: “While Palestinians are getting killed in the blink of an eye, this greedy grifter thinks it’s the best time to start her modelling career by appropriating their culture.
“She is not an artist; she is a businesswoman. Artists don’t profit off of a genocide, but Zionists do!”
Maria B officially launched the collection on her website as ‘Palestine Pret’.
The original design vs Maria B’s knock off! And then she has the audacity to call herself an artist and a designer. https://t.co/ccPzybHlPu pic.twitter.com/xoTC3JC7JJ
— leena #FreePalestine?? (@Leena_Ghani) August 18, 2024
Commenting on the collection, Leena remarked:
“Wtf is Palestine PRET?! I’m horrified, yet we have goons who are still supporting this money-hungry scammer.
“What’s next? Genocide Pret? And did she credit the artist whose design she used or stole for this Pret collection?”
In an Instagram Story, Maria B stated:
“We had been discussing our Falasteen collection for a long time and when we finally got it made, I decided that I couldn’t just make it about profits.
“So, if I have made a suit that cost us Rs. 4,000 and we are selling it for Rs. 6,000, then aside from the profit, the Rs. 4,000 (that went into the making) will also be donated to the cause by my organisation.
“The entire sales of the collection will go to Falasteen… for everyone who loves Falasteen, you will love this collection because there are small details in it that will remind you of Palestine.”
Leena Ghani also spoke against the collection’s high price, questioning if this “aid” would actually reach the Palestinians.
She said: “Almost 10K for one outfit!
“Just wondering how much will be donated to the charities?
“And why couldn’t Maria B tag the charities that she is working with like other brands for transparency!”
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