Major lingerie brand accused of copying robe design from small business

An Australian influencer claims Australia’s largest lingerie brand swiped a design from her small business.

Times haven’t changed for “copycats” as Australia’s largest lingerie company is under fire from claims it swiped a design from a small business.

It was a shock for Gold Coast-based influencer Lily Brown when Bras N Things allegedly copied the 27-year-old’s luxury robe design.

“Although it’s definitely disappointing having a hugely successful, nationwide brand completely rip off our designs, it’s also kinda flattering?” Brown posted to her 330k followers on Instagram last week.

Australian influencer Lily Brown founded Chille in 2021.

Brown, who rose to social media fame on YouTube, founded her small business, Chille, in 2021.

“My little small, family run business that I started during COVID with no prior business knowledge or experience has grown so much that it’s caught the eyes of many people, we now have these huge companies copying us … it’s almost a flex?”

Influencer Lily Brown’s small business robe which retails for $159.

BrasNThings robe which retails for $69.99.

The design in question is Brown’s signature robe from her Snug collection, which Bras N Things has seemingly copied to the letter – using the same colours, pattern and texture.

While Brown didn’t directly name the company that she claims “ripped off” her designs, her followers quickly connected the dots, spotting an almost identical robe on the Bras N Things website — a company she’s previously collaborated with.

Australian influencer Lily Brown.

“If you’re looking for a case study in uninspired, mass-produced mimicry, look no further than Bras N Things’ latest attempt at ‘creativity’,” an anonymous user wrote as a review on the site.

“Surely just make it a bit different and not use the exact same colour palette,” a user commented on a Facebook group.

Another wrote: “They slap together a knock-off, hoping customers won’t notice the difference. But we see it. And we won’t be fooled.”

Not only does the Bras N Things robe appear to replicate Brown’s design, but they even made it cheaper – something Brown says compromises the robe’s quality.

“Anyone who’s bought or tried anything from @__chille knows our quality and hand feel is unmatched. We stick to what we know, stay in our lane, and believe we do it best,” she wrote on Instagram.

Lily Brown and Jett Kenny last year. Picture: David Clark

While Bras N Things sells their robes for $69.99, Brown’s “luxury” robes retail for $159.

Both Brown and Bras N Things have been contacted for comment.

Besides social media, Brown lit up Aussie screens last year when she joined forces with her boyfriend Jett Kenny on the celebrity edition of The Amazing Race Australia.

Brown and Kenny, an ironman champion, have been in a relationship since 2022 and moved in together last year.