Influencer Danielle Bernstein's Nordstrom capsule accused of copying indie jewelry designers

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
May 9, 2018

Ahead of the exclusive launch of influencer Danielle Bernstein's collaborative LuluDK x WeWoreWhat jewelry capsule at Nordstrom, the collection is already facing accusations that it copied indie jewelry designers. 

The collection started as a 27-piece capsule of gold pendants and earrings, which Nordstrom described as a "fashion-forward collection of easy-to-layer, vintage-inspired jewelry at prices that won't break the bank."

Bernstein (of We Wore What) announced the collection, which she designed in partnership with Lulu DK, over the weekend on her Instagram. While her 1.8 million followers expressed support and excitement for the upcoming launch, other users noticed striking similarities in the pieces and accused her of copying designs from indie jewelry brands including Foundrae, Retrouvaí and Bondeye Jewelry.

Beth Bugdaycay, owner of Foundrae, joined the conversation on Instagram when she shared that Bernstein had borrowed pieces from her personal collection over the past year. Bugdaycay said Bernstein had abused her privilege of access, adding, "The buyers of Nordstrom also have a responsibility to protect design integrity and their PR team is creating consumer confusion by endorsing her as the designer which is not the truth."

Knockoff watchdog Diet Prada was next to join the social media firestorm, posting side by side images of the pieces in question and the original designs. Diet Prada's caption focused on how social responsibility is a key issue in 2018 and also noted similarities in the collection to the Tiffany dogtag.

Bernstein has since replied to the accusations with a tearful video posted as an Instagram Story, in which she denies any wrongdoing and claims that the inspiration for the collection was a locket from her grandfather.

In response to the controversy, Nordstrom has also reportedly worked with Bernstein to remove five of the pieces in question from the upcoming collection.

LuluDK x WeWoreWhat launches online and in select Nordstrom stores on Wednesday, May 9.