What Do You Think About We Wore What’s, Danielle Bernstein?
We Wore What founder, Danielle Bernstein, has been nicknamed We Stole What by internet trolls after small businesses and influencers came forward accusing her of stealing tangible designs and marketing techniques.
Danielle studied Fashion Business Management at FIT in New York City where she created her website, WeWoreWhat. She began her fashion career documenting streetwear looks in Manhattan and later launched a fashion label under the same name. She has since expanded to create a more budget-friendly line of similar products for Macy’s and landed a spot on Forbes 30 under 30 list.
Danielle’s story is an inspiring one to many; however, fans have voiced their disappointment as recent designs have mimicked those of pre-existing small businesses. In July 2020, Danielle released a line of luxury masks with detachable chains under her label, WeWoreWhat, and faced backlash as the product was an almost exact replica of the mask and mask chain set from Latina-owned small businesses, By Second Wind. Danielle spoke on this topic and claimed the accusations were illegitimate and that she would be donating masks to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in Manhattan. Her philanthropic effort was a success as it placed a temporary band-aid on the bad press she had been receiving but it shortly began again as she released more collections full of pieces with questionable designs.
Over the Summer months, Danielle did a bit of soul searching after she contracted the coronavirus while vacationing in the Hamptons and pledged to her followers that she would strive to be more authentic and eco-friendly in the future. While her product quality has improved to be more size-inclusive, there is still concrete evidence of some borrowed content.
Perhaps the most convincing example is Danielle’s Instagram post from February 17, 2021. The post showcases a four-by-four square-sectioned photograph of Danielle posing in a sweater and tank set from Urban Outfitters. The post is fun, playful, and copied, as Instagrammer @kelseykotzur posted a photo just one day prior in the same sweater and layout.
There is no denying that this content idea was borrowed by Danielle and she is looking slightly guilty in this situation as comments on her post are disabled. Stories like these are all too common in the industry and force consumers to make tough decisions. The WeWoreWhat label sells on-trend, high-quality pieces at a reasonable price point; however, with allegations like these, we are required to weigh the pros and cons of a cute outfit against our personal core values such as integrity, honesty, and respect.
So, are you team forgive and forget in the name of a good outfit or are you riding the social justice train and boycotting businesses that have made one too many moral faux pas in the past?
Let us know by tagging @theedgemag on Instagram!