‘Fast fashion’ routinely borrows designs of Southeast Asia’s Indigenous weavers. Now some are calling it plagiarism.

The hill tribes of Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam are known for their colorful and intricate weavings and embroidery. Global fashion brands are among those who have helped themselves to the distinct patterns, replicating the designs but never paying royalties. A nonprofit collective in Laos has now pulled together the most egregious examples. From Bangkok, The World’s Patrick Winn say they hope to shame fashion corporations into compensating artisans.

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