Barcelona bag brand M2Malletier accuses Carolina Herrera of copying its design

Handbag label M2Malletier accuses Carolina Herrera of plagiarism. Courtesy of M2Malletier

In the fashion industry, plagiarism is rampant, and fingers are often pointed at competitor brands, accusing them of copying designs outright. Some even try to take lawsuits to court for copying features, such as a particular shade of red being used for the soles of shoes.

Still, it's rare for journalists to receive professionally articulated press releases from brands announcing that their goods have been copied. But, last week fashion journalists in the Middle East saw their phones light up with an email about the latest CH Carolina Herrera Insignia bag, and how it looked suspiciously similar to Barcelona handbag label M2Malletier's signature silhouette.

The trademark look of M2Malletier bags is a minimalist exterior, with a slim, needle-like handle. The brand’s website refers to the feature as, “a forward, inimitable linear handle inspired by medieval tools and armour; a hallmark of M2Malletier, perfectly articulates unforgettable glamour and spontaneity evident in the brand’s avant-garde designs.”

Though colours and shapes may vary, this handle style is present in all of the brand’s handbag designs.

The CH Carolina Herrera Insigna bag, meanwhile, was launched to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the House of Herrera. Its top handle does seem to resemble M2Malletier’s minimalist look, albeit with slight variations. In the Carolina Herrera versions, the linear bar is anchored to the bag by the use of circular hardware, while M2Malletier’s designs attach to more triangular-looking anchors.

Aside from that, though, the general shape of the new Carolina Herrera Insignia bag certainly looks inspired by M2Malletier’s initial design. Take a look for yourself in the images above. Would you consider it a serious offence, or is this type of similarity an inevitable aspect of a saturated fashion market?