Mask Off: Danielle Bernstein keeps getting accused of copying brands
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| Second Wind/WeWoreWhat/Diet Prada |
Let's face it: masks are now a part of our daily lives (or if you're smart, they should be.) But that certainly doesn't mean they shouldn't be stylish. After all, you're going to wear it, might as well look good.
With additions such as a mask chain that is not only functional but a stylish touch. Latina led brand Second Wind which launched did just that, creating luxurious masks and mask chains that would make any fashionista excited. Unfortunately, a firestorm has begun for both companies.
As Diet Prada reports:
"You’d think @weworewhat would have learned not to leave a paper trail by now. @americaninfluencercouncil founding member Danielle Bernstein announced today that her @shopweworewhat line would shortly be stocking linen masks adorned with a safety chain.
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It’s a cute idea— and she appears to have lifted it directly from @bysecondwind , who began offering masks June 1st. On June 29, Danielle reached out to the brand via DM and hustled some free masks. On July 2, she messaged again with a heads up... she was launching her own masks. Don’t worry, though, according to Danielle they’re not a copy!
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Well, she finally showed them today and they’re nearly identical, from the linen fabrication down to the unique loop design at the sides to hold the chain. Not sure how this is helping to “sustain the integrity” of influencer marketing “for the ultimate benefit of society” as per the AIC’s goals, but at least there’s one bright side. After her carefree summer galavanting around the Hamptons, Danielle is finally wearing a mask."
Direct Messages between the two brands reveal just how sketchy the entire "exchange" was. When Second Wind offers Danielle the mask, why would she receive it, fully "knowing" she was producing something extremely similar?
Karen Perez, owner, and creator of Second Wind shared the following on her IG Story:
She also told Page Six
“I was really excited she liked our masks, I started it two weeks after the pandemic. I literally put my blood sweat and tears into it … she reached out to me to support me, why didn’t she tell me she was working on the same thing? She used the same kind of chain and the same fabric, and colors as me, that really upset me. When I saw her masks I was heartbroken … I am fed up, for me — as a woman and a minority … I have to stand up for myself. She’s a phony, she stands up for minorities, but she’s ripping us off, thinking we only have a tiny voice.”
This is not the 1st time Bernstein has been accused of ripping off a brand.
Two years ago, Diet Prada also reported her new jewelry line for Nordstrom bore eerie similarities with another, more famous jewelers; one of whom was Tiffany and Co.
Two years ago, Diet Prada also reported her new jewelry line for Nordstrom bore eerie similarities with another, more famous jewelers; one of whom was Tiffany and Co.
According to People, Foundrae, one of the lines that accused Bernstein of copying spoke out on Instagram, their statement held both Bernstein and Nordstrom responsible.
“Tonight I feel crushed. Danielle came to my house over a year ago to see our jewelry and we let her borrow pieces several times. How is it not personal when you let a person into your home, let them wear your pieces, and then she knocks it off??
It’s an abuse of privilege, taking advantage of access. The buyers of Nordstrom also have a responsibility to protect design integrity and their PR team is creating consumer confusion by endorsing her as the designer which is not the truth.”This situation sounds oddly similar to the Second Wind situation. Both brands trusted this influencer, believing that this would be a chance for a lovely partnership with her. Both ended up disheartened and disappointed.
One would think that after the embarrassment of being publicly outed for not just mimicking a few details, but outright copying, Danielle would have learned her lesson back in 2018. At this point, Bernstein has been called out at least 4 different times prior to the Second Wind incident.
I will update you on this story, but for now, it feels pretty sketchy.
UPDATE:
Since the release of the masks, Danielle has pivoted and decided to donate 5000 masks to charities combating sex trafficking. She shared the following on her Instagram story.
She has also shared additional information to show that her mask and chains were in production when she spoke to Second Wind. Danielle also provided screenshots of their previous conversation, showing that after she alerted Second Wind that she was creating something similar, that the brand was fine with that. There remains questions as to why she would still receive the mask, knowing how shady it appears and given her past jewelry incidents.
According to Danielle, she has also received death threats. She shared one of those this morning. This is NEVER ok. I personally condemn the act of threatening violence against anyone. I hope she remains safe and that whoever is threatening her receives appropriate consequences.
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