Another disappointing brand outright copying work of minority artisans.
From Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (Laos):
“Well, we gave Max Mara a chance to respond and…nothing.
Nothing about how they duplicated traditional handmade designs of the tiny Oma ethnic minority group of rural Laos, and factory printed them on garments that are being sold for several hundred dollars in high-end boutiques. Nothing about why they have not acknowledged the source of these motifs. Nothing about how they sourced these patterns, and if they compensated the artisans for their creative property.
Let’s be clear, these designs are not “inspired by” or “an interpretation of” Oma motifs; they are copied. The colour, composition, and motifs are exact replicas, so besides being lazy and unoriginal design work, it’s also direct plagiarism.
The power imbalance here couldn’t be more stark - an international fashion brand profiting off the traditional designs of ethnic minority artisans in rural Southeast Asia. Acknowledging and compensating artisans for their work and creativity, no matter who they are and where they come from, is important.”
#MaxOma
