This Loaning Service Has Been Caught Allegedly Giving Australian Celebrities Fake Designer Clothes

Update 08/11/17 7:43pm: Borrow My Balmain has responded to allegations that they loaned fake designer goods to Australian celebrities in an Instagram post. In the statement they rebut allegations that the issue of replicas is a widespread company problem, instead suggesting that a single "fake Dior skirt", loaned to Steph Claire Smith, was a one time incident.

According to the statement, the replica was given to them by a "well known stylist" under the impression the piece was authentic. They intend to "take legal action" against the stylist, who they could not name for legal reasons.

The statement says that the items were not bought off eBay, as was alleged by @diet_prada, and that all pieces bought by the supplier have been removed from their offering. They have offered receipts as proof that the rest of their pieces are genuine. We will be updating as more information comes through.

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Original Post 08/11/17: A few weeks ago a mysterious account called @borrowmybalmain began popping up all over Instagram. Australian celebrities and influencers, most notably Steph Claire Smith, were tagging the service in their Instagram posts while wearing head-to-toe looks from designers like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana at events. Natalie Bassingthwaighte even dedicated a postto the service on her website.

The whole thing was surprising—who had enough money to buy several off-the-runway Dior looks and $80,000 D&G coats, but was willing to rent them out to anyone who direct messaged them?

Well, it turns out the service may have been too good to be true, because today fashion's favourite Instagram account, @diet_prada, has accused the account of loaning fakes designer pieces.

The post placed side-by-side images of Steph Claire Smith's Dior dress, Chloe Maggs' (who is the owner of the Borrow My Balmain ABN) Melbourne Cup dress and two others with their original runway looks. The stark difference between the two images suggests those specific items rented out by @borrowmybalmain are replicas.

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From: Harper's BAZAAR AU