An Australia designer clothes lending business is doing damage control after it was revealed that one its items was a fake.
Borrow My Balmain was accused of buying fake designer items on eBay and lending them to Aussies celebs and influencers under the pretence of the being the real thing.
The Instagram account Diet Prada posted a side-by-side pic of a fake Dior skirt being offered by Borrow My Balmain and the real thing.
“Aspiring insta-thots, BEWARE! Australian account @borrowmybalmain has been purchasing fake @Dior from @ebay and renting it out as the real thing. Just look at that janky ass embroidered sun with googly eyes… not so exemplary of the skilled petit mains of the world’s most storied couture house.”
Following the allegations – which were first published by Harper’s Bazaar – Borrow My Balmain has responded to the allegations, apologising for the fake skirt but assuring customers that it is not a widespread problem.
“We would like to give you all the answers for this fake Dior skirt scandal,” it said. “We have a close relationship with a well known stylist (who we won’t name yet for legal reasons) who a few of our pieces were purchased from and we were obviously under the impression were authentic and have now come to the realisation were in fact replicas. We will be taking appropriate legal action against them in regards to this.”
It continued: “The comments made against out business and certain people/companies stating “all out items are fake” is absolute defamation, most of our items have been purchased from Netaporter, Matches Fashion or the stores themselves and we have the receipts to prove it. Never have we gone out of our way to embarrass anybody.
“We have removed anything that was purchased from this supplied and can assure you what remains is AUTHENTIC and have receipts upon request. Please note NOTHING was purchased on eBay.
“We are truly sorry this has happened and are currently receiving advice as to our next steps to take.”
It also asked people who had been “bullying” celebs wearing these fake pieces to lay off.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbOiqtpHKN_/?taken-by=borrowmybalmain
Harper’s Bazaar also identified the previously mysterious owner of Borrow My Balmain as Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Chloe Maggs, who was often featured on the business’ Instagram page. Her Instagram has since been set to private.
