Kim Kardashian condemns fast fashion and brands that ‘rip off’ designers

‘Fast fashion brands, can you please wait until I wear this in real life before you knock it off?’

Kim Kardashian West has criticised the rise of fast fashion and brands that copy clothing created by high fashion designers, describing the issue as "devastating".

Earlier this month, Kardashian West shared a photo on Twitter of a gold dress her husband, rapper Kanye West, had designed for her in the summer of 2018.

After explaining that she'd come across the picture while going through old photos, the reality star and entrepreneur ended her tweet by writing: "Fast fashion brands, can you please wait until I wear this in real life before you knock it off?"

Last night on Twitter, Kardashian West continued the conversation about high street brands frequently "ripping off" the designs of clothes she wears, expressing her disdain over companies who profit from the practice.

"It's devastating to see these fashion companies rip off designs that have taken the blood, sweat and tears of true designers who have put their all into their own original ideas," she stated.

"I've watched these companies profit off my husband's work for years and now that it's also affecting designers who have been so generous to give me access to their beautiful works, I can no longer sit silent."

On 17 February, Kardashian West wore a "one-of-a-kind" vintage dress by French fashion designer Mugler at the Hollywood Beauty Awards.

Referencing the look on Twitter, she explained that in less than 24 hours, a copy of the dress had appeared online and made available for consumers to purchase.

The media personality also spoke about the relationships she's built up with designers over the past decade, saying that she has a "huge amount of respect" for the ingenuity that they instil in their designs.

"I often plan for weeks, sometimes months, and even a year in advance, and I'm grateful for every fashion moment those designers and their dresses have helped me create," she said.

While some have agreed with Kardashian West's point of view, others have pointed out that high fashion clothing is often imitated so that consumers can purchase affordable versions of the designs.

"I'm a huge fan of yours... and I do agree... but it would be nice for some of these high fashion designers to make affordable clothing for all... then it would rid the problem of these fake sellers," one person responded on Twitter.

"While I somewhat agree with this statement we have to consider why imitation is a thing," another added.

"Society, especially in the 'reality TV age' convinces people that we should all dres a certain way to be recognised.

"Not all people have the coins to buy high end designer."

Several people suggested that copying designs is a practice that has always existed within the fashion industry.

"That’s what fashion has always been tbh," one person tweeted.

"Plus we all know that big designer names can and have sued over 'imitation'," someone else replied.

"Are they really losing money or any sleep? My opinion."

A cross-party group of MPS recently suggested that fashion manufacturers should be charged a penny per garment in order to fund better clothing recycling and halt the era of "throwaway fashion".

"The government must act to end the era of throwaway fashion by incentivising companies that offer sustainable designs and repair services," said Labour's Mary Creagh.