Italian fashion designer Giuliano Calza has called on shoppers to boycott Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein or “accept mediocrity”. The co-founder of streetwear label GCDS, which stands for “God Can’t Destroy Streetwear”, posted a statement on Instagram accusing the retailer of “stealing” his shoe design. Shein, which is known for selling cheap clothes, has been embroiled in numerous copyright infringement lawsuits by designers and artists over the years. Calza said that the retailer’s actions were “hurtful and abusive” and accused it of “stealing ideas, stealing sweat, stealing love and [months] of dedication and stealing the energy of making [sic] new ideas come to life”. He wrote: “Imagine them coming into your house or your mind and making your things, your dreams… THEIRS.” The designer also addressed shoppers who may complain his garments and accessories are “too expensive” and therefore they shop on Shein. “Because I respect humans, I respect hard work and workers, I use ethical way of productions and materials [sic],” he said, after earlier accusing the retailer of “killing the planet with… dehumanising policies that make [these] prices possible”. He posted screenshots of a pair of silver wedge heels on Shein’s website, which have the same stylised heel as the Morso heels, available on the GCDS website for US$875. It is unclear how much Shein’s version of the shoes are, and they appear to have been removed from the site. The Independent has contacted Shein for comment. Calza continued in his post: “I try to stay human, I try to make my country a place where this industry can live for young people like me, but in this time maybe I’m wrong, maybe I am the fool.” The designer, whose brand has been worn by Beyonce, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, Pamela Anderson, and other celebrities, said that “what hurts the most is people tagging me [on these] shoes and expecting me to congratulate them or repost”. “It’s very sick. If you want creativity and young people to continue [surviving] and see them succeed, do not be a part of their game,” he added. In his caption, Calza wrote: “Boycott Shein or accept abusive behaviour, accept stealing and accept the planet where you live, to burn in shame and fear [sic]. “Accept mediocrity and be part of killing someone else’s dreams.” In 2021, Shein was accused of “deliberate and calculated” trademark infringement by a number of major and independent brands, including AirWair International, owner of Dr Martens. The complaint, filed in California, accused the retailer of having a “clear intent to sell counterfeits”. Shein denied the claims, and has denied other claims of alleged infringement. Read More A look inside the Malibu Barbie Cafes opening in New York City and Chicago Elle Fanning says her body ‘creepily shifts’ as she adjusts to wearing corsets Best jackets for spring and summer, from bombers to trench coats Elle Fanning says her body ‘creepily shifts’ as she adjusts to wearing corsets Fans defend Kyla Pratt for dressing casually to The Little Mermaid premiere 11 lightweight SPFs your skin will love

SOMERVILLE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 6, 2023--

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Paul Gascoigne is the perfect example of how a player should not approach a Wembley cup final, says Barnsley head coach Michael Duff. Barnsley face derby rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Sky Bet League One play-off final on Monday and with local bragging rights also on the line emotions will run high. Duff referenced former Tottenham midfielder Gascoigne and his ill-fated role in the 1991 FA Cup final against Nottingham Forest when discussing how he hopes his players will handle the occasion. Gascoigne flew into a reckless early tackle on Forest defender Gary Charles and ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee. He was carried off the field on a stretcher and missed all of the following season. Duff said: “Paul Gascoigne is a perfect example, for anyone who’s old enough, in 1991 when he did his cruciate. “He came out like a headless chicken because he was so emotional and in such a wild state, it ultimately did him damage and that’s what we don’t want.” Duff, twice a Wembley winner as a player, with Cheltenham (1998) and Burnley (2009), said he will not be delivering any Churchillian speeches just before kick-off. “Absolutely not,” he said. “The format will be the same. If the players need motivating when they’re at Wembley, in a play-off final, in a local derby, they’re in the wrong job. “We’re just trying to keep it as normal as possible. You almost want to try and calm them down at that point, so they don’t play like headless chickens. “Stick to the process, with what you’ve done all season, what’s got you into this position – intensity, quality, youthfulness, a structure and being able to hurt teams in different ways. There’ll be no big speeches. “There’s a saying ‘success leaves clues’, well the clues are what you’ve been doing all season. Can you do it one more time? Hopefully, and with a little bit of luck, we win the game.” Barnsley, transformed under former Cheltenham boss Duff since his appointment in June last year, stand on the brink of an immediate return to the Championship following relegation. They were still challenging for automatic promotion until a 3-0 home defeat to Ipswich at the end of April but Duff is not ready to reflect on his first season in charge. “Looking back on the season will happen on Tuesday,” he added. “There’s no point saying ‘well if we lose it’s been a good season’. We’re in a shoot-out now, the focus is on the game. “At the end of the season we’ll take stock and reflect on how we can be better, whether we win or lose. “The plan has already started anyway, whether we win or lose, so I don’t want us to take our eyes off the prize. “Has it been a positive season? Yes, I think so. But we can really cap it off now and that’s the focus.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Liverpool’s lack of final-day drama ‘completely new’ to boss Jurgen Klopp Frank Lampard will be ‘back at Chelsea many times’ as a fan after interim role Ruben Selles urges Southampton to end wretched season on positive note

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