Swizz Beats accuses Balenciaga of copying a Ruff Ryders design

By

Emily Jensen

Published
Jun 24, 2017

In the latest round of accusations of copying levied at major brands, music producer Swizz Beats claims Balenciaga has copied a Ruff Ryder shirt in one of its recent designs.

In a recent Instagram post, the music producer pointed out the similarities between a shirt that walked down the runway at the Balenciaga men’s spring 2018 show and a Ruff Ryders shirt from the year 2000. The Balenciaga shirt uses a similar motif to the original Ruff Ryders shirt, except with a “B” motif in its pattern rather than an “R.”
 
Many commenters also expressed their disappointment on Balenciaga’s own Instagram page, where the label had uploaded many of the looks from its recent men’s show. “Pay Your Dues & Pay Homage To The Culture That Inspired This Piece, Ruff Ryder's Are Hip Hop Royalty!” one commenter wrote.

 
Balenciaga is not the first major brand to be accused of copying from smaller labels. Gucci recently faced accusations that a piece from its Cruise 2018 show copied the work of Harlem-based tailor Dapper Dan. A Twitter user recently pointed out the similarities between new Topshop items and pieces from designer Wesley Berryman, who made his debut last September at New York Fashion Week.