Byron Bay boutique rug maker accuses Aldi of ripping off her designs

A local textile designer has accused discount supermarket giant Aldi of plagiarising her picnic blankets. See the remarkable similarities.

Byron Bay textile designer Sharnee Thorpe has called out German discount supermarket retailer Aldi for selling products that look to be inspired by her Wandering Folk picnic blankets.

Thorpe took to social media this week to compare her original designs with those being sold at Aldi. Hers, which are much loved by celebrities and punters here and abroad, retail for around $190 while Aldi’s are selling for $49.99.

Byron Bay boutique designer Sharnee Thorpe has accused Aldi of ripping off her Wandering Folk branded wares. Picture: Supplied

The designs of the rugs and their accessories share a remarkable resemblance.

“This is my creation, it’s an extension of my being,” Thorpe said in a statement issued to Confidential. “One part of me feels complimented but the other feels heartache. The impact on me, my little family and my business will be catastrophic.”

Thorpe says the business impact of the alleged plagiarism will be “catastrophic”.

Thorpe said she contacted the retailer through her lawyer on December 6 but is yet to receive a response. In frustration, she took to social media to compare the designs.

When contacted, Aldi issued a brief statement: “Allegations from this company in the press are the first correspondence we have on the matter. We will definitely review any correspondence that is shared with our business and will respond accordingly.”

The retailer markets itself as “Good Different” with the slogan: “People call us different. We take it as a compliment”.

Having launched in Australia in 2001, Aldi operates around 570 stores nationally and is known for offering ‘in-house’ brands at a fraction of the priceof more established branded products.

It is not the first time Aldi has been criticised for copying various products, from designer furniture to a clothes airer, wheat biscuits cereal, chips, paracetamol and shampoo.

Wandering Folk meanwhile was founded by Thorpe in 2015 and has expanded to a whole range of picnic accessories.