Gold Coast label Peony Swimwear rises above bikini copycat scandal

IF imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, local swimwear designer Becky Jack must be feeling the love big-time.

Local lawyer turned designer Becky Jack has taken some time away from the courts to work

IF imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, local swimwear designer Becky Jack must be feeling the love big-time.

The Gold Coast girl started seeing imitations of her locally made label Peony Swimwear’s prints cropping up in other designer collections.

When she spotted the signature Dreamtime Floral print from her 2012 label launch, she had to take action.

“That’s my baby and I’ve put so much work into building a unique brand and creating quality swimwear, I just had to do something,” she told CC.

Becky took to Facebook to vent her outrage.

“It has come to our attention that some labels have tried to imitate our signature Dreamtime Floral print,” she wrote. “Fortunately, nothing compares to the #original.”

Reluctant to name and shame the brands — “I don’t want to give them any publicity” — the designer, who also has a background as a practising lawyer, would happily take action against the offending labels.

“I have gone to a lawyer, but the thing is, copyright is a very difficult area in fashion,” Becky says. “They can change the tiniest thing and it can be considered not to be a breach.

“If it was clearer I would like to see the copycats pay for what they’ve done but I’d rather spend my time making unique products for loyal customers than in court fighting for something that might not even end up in my favour.

“You’ve got to rise above and move on and not dwell on the resentment,” she says.

“I’ve got more designs to come and if copycats want to have my old prints on their shelves that’s their problem.”