Founders of Sydney brand Maison de Sabre accuse Sportsgirl of copying Sabremoji fruit charms

A national fashion chain has been accused of ripping off designs from a high-end Sydney designer in the latest furore over stolen ideas. Can you spot the difference?

A national fashion chain has been accused of ripping off designs from a high-end Sydney designer in the latest furore over stolen ideas.

Omar Sabre, co-founder of bespoke leather goods brand Maison de Sabre, said he was shocked to see Sportsgirl selling “bag charms” that looked strikingly similar to his brand’s distinctive leather Sabremoji Charms.

The charms were not visible on Sportsgirl’s website on Monday, but search results showed they had been selling for $14.95.

Maison De Sabre’s fruit charms retail at $75 each.

“It’s disappointing to see a major Australian retailer replicate the designs of a homegrown

brand that is proudly taking Australian creativity to the world,” Mr Sabre said.

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

Sydney brand Maison de Sabre has accused fashion chain Sportsgirl of copying (left) one of their distinctive designs, the Sabremoji Fruit Charms (right).

Sydney brand Maison de Sabre has accused fashion chain Sportsgirl of copying (left) one of their distinctive designs, the Sabremoji Fruit Charms (right).

Mr Sabre said this company’s charms – shaped like various fruit including oranges, apples and strawberries – had become global favourites since their launch in 2023.

Mr Sabre and his brother Zane founded the business with a $40,000 investment in 2017 and now say they generate annual revenue of $50m, selling a product every 60 seconds.

Late last year, the pair launched the “world’s most expensive” iPhone 16 Pro Max case, made from 18 carat gold, encrusted diamonds and sapphires, and priced at more than $16,500.

The brand has grown to have stockists across the US, Europe, and Asia.

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

“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.”

Maison de Sabre has confirmed it is reviewing legal options and is calling on both consumers and the retail sector to uphold higher standards around originality.

Sydney brothers Omar and Zane Sabré started personalised leather accessories brand, Maison de Sabre, in 2017.

The Australian Business Network has contacted Sportsgirl’s parent company Sussan for comment.

The drama follows a copyright furore over baking recipes that exploded between Brisbane-based cookie queen Brooke Bellamy and RecipeTin Eats’ Nagi Maehashi.

Ms Bellamy has denied claims she copied recipes from Ms Maehashi in a drama which has lit up social media feeds nationwide.

Originally published as Founders of Sydney brand Maison de Sabre accuse Sportsgirl of copying Sabremoji fruit charms