Latest news with #Birkenstock-style
Mint
04-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
India is awash with luxury and lifestyle fakes. Now, brands are fighting back.
India's copycat economy is coming under pressure as global brands are starting to fight back. On Tuesday the Delhi High Court revived a long-pending lawsuit by American shoemaker Crocs Inc. against brands such as Bata, Liberty and Relaxo for copying its signature clog shoe design. The case, filed in 2014, had been pending for years before the court revived it this week. While the Crocs suit targets physical retailers, the copycat challenge for global brands has also moved online. Lookalike products that were once confined to local markets or grey channels are easily available on major e-commerce platforms. Some of these copies fall into the category of 'dupes", which imitate the style of high-end products without logos and often remain in a legal grey zone, but others cross into counterfeiting by replicating trademarks. Knockoffs are everywhere Digital marketplaces are flooded with lookalikes. A ₹2-lakh Hermès sandal copy is listed for ₹599 on one platform while replicas of Tory Burch handbags appear on another. Knockoffs of Marc Jacobs sling bags are available, too. You can also buy a replica of an ₹18,000 Labubu doll—created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung—for less than ₹1,000. Industry executives said this pointed to a growing 'dupe economy" in India, where platforms host products en masse that mimic global designs, while mostly avoiding legal consequences. French brand Longchamp's signature nylon totes have inspired lookalikes at a leading retail chain and Birkenstock-style cork sandals, priced at ₹5,000-8,000, are being sold for as little as ₹1,000 online. Social media is driving much of this demand, with influencers on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube frequently showcasing budget versions of high-end goods, contributing to the sales growth of lookalike products. Abhay Gupta, founder of Delhi-based consultancy Luxury Connect, said, 'The explosion of social media platforms and dominant e-commerce sites has made it nearly impossible to track the spread of luxury fakes and dupes. It's threatening the luxury industry's integrity, discouraging genuine buyers, and diluting brand value. We need stricter intellectual property enforcement and strong action against these platforms. A unified industry voice along with platform accountability is crucial." Second-order effect: Global credibility hit Gupta said India is becoming an important luxury market and such practices could dilute its global credibility. 'When mass platforms allow lookalikes of Hermès or Coach to flourish, they send a dangerous message—that originality is optional. If India wants to be taken seriously in the luxury ecosystem, we need sharper policing, better consumer awareness, and greater platform responsibility," he said. According to data available online, more than 64% of the world's fake luxury goods are produced in China. In 2021, counterfeit goods accounted for $467 billion in global trade. In India, a 2023 report by ASSOCHAM said 5% of all luxury apparel sold was counterfeit. Amazon said last week that its global Counterfeit Crimes Unit has helped secure over $180 million in court-ordered penalties and prosecuted more than 65 individuals worldwide since 2020, including in India. 'That said, people buying fakes were probably never the customers of the original," said Neelesh Hundekari, partner at global consultancy Kearney, who specialises in retail and luxury. 'But if they buy [fakes] out of aspiration, they may become future [genuine] buyers. Most genuine buyers are generally aware of where they can buy originals, but if there aren't enough genuine channels available then these buyers may also end up being cheated." 'Zero tolerance': What platforms said In mid-June Mint was able to find fakes of several luxury and high-end brands such as Saint Laurent and Tory Burch handbags on Amazon India in mid June. These were priced around ₹7,000—well below the price of the original products. We sent several queries about this to Amazon on 18 June, to which it said it operates as a third-party marketplace where sellers list and sell products in accordance with applicable laws and selling policies. A spokesperson said, 'We have a zero tolerance policy for counterfeit products and continuously monitor our marketplace. We act quickly to protect customers and brands, including removing counterfeit listings and blocking accounts. We have several brand protection programs under which we collaborate with brands to protect our customers from bad actors attempting to abuse our marketplace." Some listings were removed after we sent the queries, but new ones have since surfaced with slightly altered brand names. FirstCry, which was advertising fake Labubu dolls through Instagram ads until late last month, did not respond to Mint's listings were later taken down. Meesho declined to comment on specific products but said its Project Suraksha initiative has multiple strategies to tackle counterfeits and educate sellers. A spokesperson for Myntra said the platform ensures only authorised brands are listed, and has strict systems in place to check authenticity. However, it added that design decisions rest with the brands themselves. Swati Sharma, partner and head of intellectual property at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said India's laws do provide protection against counterfeit goods and misleading listings, but enforcement remains weak and reactive. 'Products that copy a luxury brand's design or logo qualify as counterfeits," she said.. She added that courts have taken a strict view in such cases, holding marketplaces accountable when they have promoted or enabled the sale of such products and granting remedies including injunctions, raids, seizures and damages. A glimmer of hope Despite these challenges, several global luxury brands have secured legal victories in India in recent months. In 2024 the Delhi High Court barred two businessmen from selling fake Louis Vuitton goods through platforms 'Mr. Shoes' and 'Mr. Retail,' ruling they had misused the brand's name. In June, Huda Beauty obtained an injunction against Vision Enterprises, which had imported 28,368 counterfeit cosmetics intercepted at Kolkata Port. Noida-based intellectual property lawyer Safir Anand of Anand & Anand said influencers who promote lookalike products could also face legal consequences. 'Such practices erode brand value, betray consumer trust, and are not protected under law," he said. He added that even if influencers don't claim a product is original, promoting it as a cheaper version can still amount to 'passing off" and may thus violate IP laws. 'There's been a big rise in takedown notices," Anand said. 'Luxury brands are stepping up legal action, with quicker trials and stricter enforcement. But tougher penalties—like higher statutory damages and longer jail terms—are still needed to deter offenders and move beyond easy out-of-court settlements." Mint reached out to the India representatives of Tory Burch, Coach, Gucci India and the Kering group, which owns brands including Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta, but hasn't yet received a response. A global problem Courts around the world have been hearing cases involving counterfeit and lookalike products as countries including Singapore, the US, and some European Union nations have been cracking down on fakes, lookalikes, and IP infringements regularly. Singapore has strict penalties including jail time and fines. The EU protects logos and product shapes and appearances, and has customs surveillance across member states. Thanks to these efforts, some brands have scored legal victories in key markets. In the US, Nintendo won a $7 million judgement in March against two Amazon sellers who were found guilty of selling counterfeit figurines it makes under the brand Amiibo. Crocs won a case in China late 2024 when a court upheld its design patent. The court ordered local shoemakers that had copied its signature clog shape – similar to the case in India – to pay damages. In February, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court awarded ₹339 crore to Beverly Hills Polo Club for trademark infringement by Amazon's private label Symbol. However, the order was stayed this week after Amazon appealed. The final hearing is scheduled for October.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
80s movie bombshell unrecognizable as she reunites with son she shares with co-star in LA – can you guess who she is?
She fell in love with her co-star when they were on the set of a popular movie franchise CROC SHOCK 80s movie bombshell unrecognizable as she reunites with son she shares with co-star in LA – can you guess who she is? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EIGHTIES movie bombshell looked completely unrecognizable on a recent outing in Los Angeles. Stepping out with her shoulder length brunette locks framing her face, fans will likely find it hard to realize who this Hollywood beauty is. 7 This 80s bombshell was seen heading out for dinner at an Italian restaurant Credit: BackGrid 7 She attended a dinner with her ex-husband and son Credit: BackGrid 7 Can you guess who the famous family are? Credit: BackGrid 7 The former couple starred in a hit movie together. Credit: BackGrid 7 You've got it! It's Paul Hogan who played Michael J. 'Crocodile' Dundee and Linda Kozlowski who played Sue Charlton in the hit movie franchise She was known to have blond tresses in her breakout movie role, with her appearance now looking very different indeed. Linda Kozlowski played the role of Sue Charlton in the Crocodile Dundee film series. The stunning film star is now 67 years of age and looks virtually unrecognizable from her Crocodile Dundee days. Stepping out in Los Angeles with her son Chance Hogan and her ex-husband and movie co-star Paul Hogan, Linda looked a far cry from her Sue Charlton character. Read More on Unrecognizables GUESS WHO? 90s boyband star looks unrecognizable out in LA - can you guess who he is? Although Linda was spotted with her son and ex, the trio were also joined by her longtime partner Moulay Hafid Baba. Linda could be seen rocking an all-black outfit on her outing. She rocked some ankle-grazer trousers, a black top and a black poncho-style wrap. CHIC OUTING Adding a scarf around her neck for extra warmth, Linda looked chic as she popped a pair of sunglasses atop her head. On her feet she wore some beige-coloured Birkenstock-style sandals that hold gold hardware. Linda completed the look with a designer bag adorned in the brand's monogram. 00s reality star looks completely unrecognizable from 'wild' days as she trades in hard partying for tradwife lifestyle She wore a shoulder bag by Louis Vuitton in the brand's classic monogram canvas. Linda's ex Paul was seen donning some blue jeans, a buttoned shirt and a leather jacket. The former couple's son was seen wearing black jeans, black sneakers and a black top with a design on the front. Linda's new man Moulay, whom she has been married to since 2017, was also in attendance. Linda's career since Crocodile Dundee success LINDA Kozlowski shot to fame in the first Crocodile Dundee movie that came out in 1986. After she found fame in the movie franchise, she landed several other movie roles. In 1987 she played the role of Claire in the movie Pass the Ammo. She then reprised the role of Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee II in 1988. In 1990 she played the Rose Garner in Almost an Angel. She played the role of Mary / Mrs Hatch in the hit flick The Neighbor in 1993. The following year in 1994, Linda starred in Backstreet Justice as Keri Finnegan. That same year she starred in Zorn as Emilie Bartlett. In Village of the Damned, which came out in 1995, she played the role of Jill McGowan. She then had a hiatus from acting before her final film role came about in the early noughties. In 2001 she reprised her role of Sue Charlton once again for Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles. They all headed out for an Italian meal, with them all looking content in one another's company. LINDA'S LOVE STORY Linda and Paul, who fell in love on the set of Crocodile Dundee, began dating in 1985. The couple then wed in 1990 and welcomed their son eight years into their marriage. Chance was born in 1998. Linda and Paul remained together for some time before they split up. The couple parted ways in 2013, with Linda even leaving Hollywood for good. Linda married Moulay Hafid Baba in 2017. Reacting to the new snaps of Linda online, some fans have reacted. One person said how they think she still looks good, writing: "She's not 21 anymore but she still looks great." 'I SURVIVED HOLLYWOOD' Linda previously spoke about her son Chance and "surviving Hollywood" in an interview. In 2015, following her divorce from Paul, she revealed her biggest achievement and spoke about starting a new life. "My biggest achievement is raising my very cool 16-year-old son, Chance, followed by surviving Hollywood and now, starting a whole new existence midlife," she told Honest Mum. 7 Paul and Linda fell in love on the set of the iconic movie Credit: Getty - Contributor
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
80s movie bombshell unrecognizable as she reunites with son she shares with co-star in LA – can you guess who she is?
AN EIGHTIES movie bombshell looked completely unrecognizable on a recent outing in Los Angeles. Stepping out with her shoulder length brunette locks framing her face, fans will likely find it hard to realize who this Hollywood beauty is. 7 This 80s bombshell was seen heading out for dinner at an Italian restaurant Credit: BackGrid 7 She attended a dinner with her ex-husband and son Credit: BackGrid 7 Can you guess who the famous family are? Credit: BackGrid 7 The former couple starred in a hit movie together. Credit: BackGrid 7 You've got it! It's Paul Hogan who played Michael J. 'Crocodile' Dundee and Linda Kozlowski who played Sue Charlton in the hit movie franchise She was known to have blond tresses in her breakout movie role, with her appearance now looking very different indeed. Linda Kozlowski played the role of Sue Charlton in the Crocodile Dundee film series. The stunning film star is now 67 years of age and looks virtually unrecognizable from her Crocodile Dundee days. Stepping out in Los Angeles with her son Chance Hogan and her ex-husband and movie co-star Paul Hogan, Linda looked a far cry from her Sue Charlton character. Read More on Unrecognizables Although Linda was spotted with her son and ex, the trio were also joined by her longtime partner Moulay Hafid Baba . Linda could be seen rocking an all-black outfit on her outing. She rocked some ankle-grazer trousers, a black top and a black poncho-style wrap. CHIC OUTING Adding a scarf around her neck for extra warmth, Linda looked chic as she popped a pair of sunglasses atop her head. Most read in Celebrity On her feet she wore some beige-coloured Birkenstock-style sandals that hold gold hardware. Linda completed the look with a designer bag adorned in the brand's monogram. 00s reality star looks completely unrecognizable from 'wild' days as she trades in hard partying for tradwife lifestyle She wore a shoulder bag by Louis Vuitton in the brand's classic monogram canvas. Linda's ex Paul was seen donning some blue jeans, a buttoned shirt and a leather jacket. The former couple's son was seen wearing black jeans, black sneakers and a black top with a design on the front. Linda's new man Moulay, whom she has been married to since 2017, was also in attendance. Linda's career since Crocodile Dundee success LINDA Kozlowski shot to fame in the first Crocodile Dundee movie that came out in 1986. After she found fame in the movie franchise, she landed several other movie roles. In 1987 she played the role of Claire in the movie Pass the Ammo. She then reprised the role of Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee II in 1988. In 1990 she played the Rose Garner in Almost an Angel. She played the role of Mary / Mrs Hatch in the hit flick The Neighbor in 1993. The following year in 1994, Linda starred in Backstreet Justice as Keri Finnegan. That same year she starred in Zorn as Emilie Bartlett. In Village of the Damned, which came out in 1995, she played the role of Jill McGowan. She then had a hiatus from acting before her final film role came about in the early noughties. In 2001 she reprised her role of Sue Charlton once again for Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles. They all headed out for an Italian meal, with them all looking content in one another's company. LINDA'S LOVE STORY Linda and Paul, who fell in love on the set of Crocodile Dundee, began dating in 1985. The couple then wed in 1990 and welcomed their son eight years into their marriage. Chance was born in 1998. Linda and Paul remained together for some time before they split up. The couple parted ways in 2013, with Linda even leaving Hollywood for good. Linda married Moulay Hafid Baba in 2017. Reacting to the new snaps of Linda online, some fans have reacted. One person said how they think she still looks good, writing: "She's not 21 anymore but she still looks great." 'I SURVIVED HOLLYWOOD' Linda previously spoke about her son Chance and "surviving Hollywood" in an interview. In 2015, following her divorce from Paul, she revealed her biggest achievement and spoke about starting a new life. "My biggest achievement is raising my very cool 16-year-old son, Chance, followed by surviving Hollywood and now, starting a whole new existence midlife," she told 7 Paul and Linda fell in love on the set of the iconic movie Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 They got married in 1990 and welcomed son Chance in 1998 before splitting in 2013 Credit: Rex
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘It has flattering finish' Dunnes Stores drop new €25 midi dress with pockets – and it's perfect for sunny days
DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a gorgeous new dress that's perfect for sunny days - after it landed on racks. The Stripe Sleeveless Midi Dress is now available in 4 The new midi dress has a striped design Credit: Dunnes Stores 4 Ant it is priced at just €25 Credit: Dunnes Stores The new midi dress comes in stripe and is priced at just €25. And the pretty frock comes in sizes 8 to 22. "The A-line skirt flows gracefully, offering a flattering finish." Read more in Fabulous This new stripe midi dress is a piece you will keep reaching for all summer long. Or team with sandals and quilted bag for a glam night out. Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores fans are also set to love Most read in Fabulous The Frieda satin dress is priced at just €35 and ideal for special occasions. This Dunnes Stores fans in a frenzy over a new summery skirt in stores The soft drape look and classy pattern offer a chic summer vibe. With its gathered sleeves, For only €35, this gúna can be easily dressed up or down with the right accessories. Pair this midi dress with white thong kitten heels, a white flowing chiffon, and top it all off with a wide-brimmed white hat with a navy ribbon to secure that elegant look. Or keep it casual, wearing some low-top trainers, simple white zip-up and tied together with a matching navy tote to give you that effortlessly chic feel. The dress is available exclusively in stores across the country and online for click and collect. Fans will be happy to see this belly-friendly dress in stores as it ranges in sizes starting from 8 up to 20. Fans are in a frenzy over the newest drop from From the perfect festival fringe vest and Birkenstock-style sandals for only €15, to luxury style brand totes, the newest range is giving dupe-tastic vibes. Shoppers are also loving new These affordable dupes come in large, medium and mini with colours ranging from navy, black, brown or red and green or a more vibrant vibe. And at only €20, this tote is perfect for travelling this summer as it is foldable. The original bags start at €135 - making the Dunnes item a whopping €115 cheaper. THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people. 4 The dress offers a flattering finish Credit: Dunnes Stores 4 The cute dress is now available in stores across the country and online Credit: Dunnes Stores
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores fans set to love beautiful new dress perfect for weddings with ‘feminine fishing touch' for just €35
DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a beautiful new dress that's the perfect wedding guest look. The Frieda satin dress is priced at just €35 and ideal for special occasions. Advertisement 2 The Gallery Frieda lace trim dress is available in stores Credit: 2 It can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion Credit: This The soft drape look and classy pattern offer a chic summer vibe. With its gathered sleeves, For only €35, this gúna can be easily dressed up or down with the right accessories. Advertisement READ MORE IN FABULOUS FASHION Pair this midi dress with white thong kitten heels, a white flowing chiffon, and top it all off with a wide-brimmed white hat with a navy ribbon to secure that elegant look. Or keep it casual, wearing some low-top trainers, simple white zip-up and tied together with a matching navy tote to give you that effortlessly chic feel. The dress is available exclusively in stores across the country and online for click and collect. Fans will be happy to see this belly-friendly dress in stores as it ranges in sizes starting from 8 up to 20. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Dunnes Stores fans in frenzy over new summer range Fans are in a frenzy over the newest drop from From the perfect festival fringe vest and Birkenstock-style sandals for only €15, to luxury style brand totes, the newest range is giving dupe-tastic vibes. Shoppers are also loving new These affordable dupes come in large, medium and mini with colours ranging from navy, black, brown or red and green or a more vibrant vibe. Advertisement And at only €20, this tote is perfect for travelling this summer as it is foldable. The original bags start at €135 - making the Dunnes item a whopping €115 cheaper. And the retailer has just released major The Buckle Footbed Sandals are selling for just €15. Advertisement Shoppers can pick up the sandals in a range of different colours to suit everyone's tastes. You can choose from black, blush, cream, khaki and taupe. The sandals come in sizes 37 to 42, and luckily for shoppers all sizes are still available online. In the official item description on the Advertisement "Wear yours with everything from denim to dresses." THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
