Aussie designers Maison de Sabre accuse Sportsgirl of copying its signature products

Aussie designers Maison de Sabre has accused fashion retailer Sportsgirl of copying its signature bag charms.

An Australian designer has called out fashion retailer Sportsgirl, accusing it of copying one of its signature designs.

Maison de Sabre have sold luxury leather handbags since 2017, and introduced fruit inspired upcycled bag charms that retail from $65 to $150 about two years ago.

The charms have been an international success for the brand which sells products in Europe, the US and Asia.

The Sydney designers allege one of Australia’s biggest fashion retailers Sportsgirl copied their original orange and apple charm designs.

The products sold through Sportsgirl retail for about $15, but do not appear on the company’s website.

Australian designers Maison de Sabre have accused retailer Sportsgirl of copying its signature bag charms.

Maison de Sabre co-founder Omar Sabre said it was disappointing to see a major Australian retailer replicate a homegrown designer that had proudly taken Australian creativity to the world.

“This kind of behaviour devalues original thinking and sends a discouraging message to independent brands striving to innovate,” Mr Sabre said.

“In an increasingly competitive retail market, it’s creativity that sets brands apart.

“For a well-resourced, national chain to shortcut that by reproducing what an independent brand has built from the ground up — it’s not just disappointing, it’s damaging to the future of Australian design.”

Mr Sabre said while they were reviewing their legal options, Australia’s intellectual property laws were ineffective at protecting creators from copycat imitators.

“Copyright does not automatically apply to product design, which leaves creators exposed and vulnerable to mass replication,” he said.

“As a country, we can’t talk about fostering innovation and then allow it to be undermined in plain sight.”

The Sussan Group, which owns Sportsgirl, have been contacted for comment about the allegations.

Maison de Sabre cofounder Omar Sabre said it was disappointing to see a major Australian retailer replicate a homegrown designer that had proudly taken Australian creativity to the world.

Industry expert Paul Waddy said independent brands did the heavy lifting when it came to creativity and consumer connection.

“They build with purpose, test relentlessly, and grow organically, but without proper design protection, they’re left wide open to being copied by larger players who can fast-track knockoffs without consequence,” Mr Waddy said.

“Until Australia modernises its intellectual property laws, we’re punishing innovation and rewarding imitation — and that’s a dangerous message to send in today’s global market”

Intellectual property lawyer Sharon Givoni said the allegations touched on both the emotional and legal sides of what fashion designers faced when their work was copied.

“We know how common and disheartening imitation has become in the fashion world and Coco Chanel said, ‘If you want to be original, be ready to be copied,’” she said.

“From a legal perspective, fashion designers in Australia have a few options when their work is copied—but navigating them can be complex and overwhelming.”

Ms Givoni said copyright, registered designs and trademarks offered designers some protection.

“The real challenge? Many designers don’t know which path to take—or assume they can’t afford protection,” she said.

“Add in fast fashion, social media, and global supply chains, and you’ve got a legal minefield for creatives just trying to do what they love.”

Originally published as Aussie designers Maison de Sabre accuse Sportsgirl of copying its signature products