Khaos Founder accuses Universal Store of copying Billie skirt design
An independent Australian fashion label, Khaos, has accused major retailer Universal Store of copying its signature 'Billie' skirt design. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between small designers and 'dupe' culture in retail.
Why it matters
The prevalence of design copying poses significant financial and creative threats to independent businesses in the competitive retail landscape.
Share article A small business owner is challenging ‘dupe’ culture , after her independent clothing brand’s signature design was allegedly copied by a major Aussie retailer.
Bessie Joseph, owner of Melbourne-based brand Khaos clothing , recently discovered a skirt almost identical to one she’d spent six months conceptualising had appeared on Universal Store’s website – at a far lower price point.
Bessie Joseph claims her skirt design (pictured left) was copied by Universal Store (right). Khaos Clothing/Universal Store
According to the designer, the idea for Khaos’ ‘Billie’ skirt came to her in October 2025, with the design process kicking off that same month. The final product was launched on Khaos’ website in April this year.
Months later, Joseph, 28, woke to a message from a friend claiming that a very similar ‘dupe’ of her design was being sold elsewhere for $90 – a markdown of the original $150 price tag.
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