▲ Clothes made by a Maya indigenous clothing company (left) and clothes made by a Chinese company, Shein
The Mexican government strongly protested against the controversy that a Chinese fast-fashion company had stolen the traditional designs of the Mayan civilization without permission.
According to a local media in Mexico on the 21st (local time), the Mexican government protested and demanded an explanation when a Chinese fast fashion company 'Shein' used the traditional designs of the Mayan civilization without permission.
Mexico's Ministry of Culture said in a statement that "designs stolen by Chinese companies have been passed down from generation to generation and are a legacy of the creativity of the ancient Mayans."
Earlier, on the 20th, 'Yucachulas', a Maya indigenous clothing company, notified through its Facebook account that the design was stolen by a Chinese company, Shein, and appealed for help.
Yukachulas claims that the designs of the clothes sold at Shein are similar to the clothes they made in 2017, and attached a photo of evidence.
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▲ A photo that Yucachulas posted on its Facebook page.
According to the photos released by the actual Yukachulas, you can see that the overall shape of the clothes as well as the floral print are quite similar.
The clothes in question are women's tops called 'huipil' in Latin America, and it is known that in some Central and South American countries where the descendants of the Maya live, it is classified as a national costume.
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▲ huipil, the traditional costume of the Maya civilization
Yukachulas further pointed out that "theft of design is a lack of awareness of craftsmanship."
As the problem escalated, Xuin removed the product from its website and reportedly sent an email to Mexican authorities and the company stating that 'we show respect for the artisans in Mexico and around the world'.
Meanwhile, Chinese fast-fashion company Xuin enjoys great popularity among young people with various designs and low prices.
The clothes designed by Shein are currently sold in more than 200 countries around the world, and Shein's corporate value is estimated at over 130 trillion won.
It is known that Xuin is currently preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the US market.
However, as with the rapid growth, the noise continues.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), it has been confirmed that there have been more than 50 trademark infringement and plagiarism lawsuits filed in US courts in the past three years.
Sheein had a copyright dispute with brands such as Dr. Martin, Ralph Lauren, and Levi's, and even used the works of independent designers active in the Internet space without permission.
(Photo=Facebook 'Yucachulas')