To say we are spoilt for choice when it comes to replenishing our make-up bags is an understatement. 2017 has seen the rise of new beauty brands, from Glossier, to KKW Beauty, to Pat McGrath, to Kylie Cosmetics and Huda Beauty. There is now more choice (and product) than ever, which is why it's so important that any brand has it's own unique selling point to stand out from the crowd.
Glossier has the minimal, millennial pink corner mastered, Huda Beauty owns the unashamedly full glam look and Pat McGrath is synonymous with sequins and decadence.
The sequin-filled pouch has become McGrath's trademark, which is why we had to do a double take when we saw this post by Instagram account Diet_Prada pointing out Victoria's Secret new packaging.
The Christmas "ornaments" are currently being sold on Victoria's Secret for £19.20, while there are also larger sequin filled gift sets available.
And if the comments on the Instagram post are anything to go by, it seems that diet_prada isn't the only one to notice the similarities between the packaging.
"I saw this and instantly thought knock off!!"
"Damn. Creativity is gone."
"Girl I literally thought this was a new @patmcgrathreal product it was so accurate"
"OH HELL NO STAY AWAY FROM PAT MCGRATH"
But others questioned whether McGrath's packaging is actually trademarked and the environmental packaging concerns for both brands.
"Is Pat's packaging a trademark? Is it copyright protected? Please someone educate me - yes they copied but are sequins in a bag really that "authentic?" I was putting sequins in bags and mailing stuff to friends over 10 years ago. Obviously a direct copy looks bad for any brand though."
"Perhaps all things do happen for a reason and this is a good opportunity for all involved to rethink this complete waste of plastic. I ordered something from her line and was soooo annoyed by all the sequins everywhere. I sat for a good five minutes at the bin contemplating and struggling with throwing it all out. NO ONE I REPEAT NO ONE is saving these sequins, speaking generally."
But perhaps the most important comment of all was from Pat McGrath herself, who used emojis to show her feelings on the matter:
"😱😱😱😱 I LOVE UOOOO @diet_prada"
We have reached out to Victoria's Secret for comment.
