An upmarket fashion label favoured by the Duchess of Sussex has been forced to apologise after being accused of copying the designs of an independent jewellery brand.
Veronica Beard, whose clothes have also been worn by the Princess of Wales and Poppy Delevingne, has removed several pieces from its website after Sara Beltrán, founder of jewellery label Dezso, publicly accused the American brand of copying her work.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Beltrán is known for jewellery inspired by her ‘travels and love of the ocean’, with signature shell pendants and bracelets retailing for between £700 and £4,000.
But last week, the 48-year-old hit out at Veronica Beard, accusing the label of appropriating designs she had spent two decades developing.
‘Shame on you Veronica Beard, twenty years of my work and now this,’ she wrote on social media.
The row has taken a particularly awkward turn because Beltrán had previously revealed that she turned down an approach from Veronica Beard about a potential collaboration in 2024.
According to the designer, Gabriela Sorrentino, the label’s director of buying, contacted her to say that the company was a ‘huge fan’ of her work and to propose a collaboration at its locations in the Hamptons and Nantucket, fashionable summer playgrounds of America’s East Coast elite.
Beltrán said she declined because the two brands’ aesthetics did not align.
An upmarket fashion label favoured by the Duchess of Sussex has been forced to apologise after being accused of copying the designs of an independent jewellery brand (pictured right). Pictured left, Veronica Beard's designs
Veronica Beard, whose clothes have also been worn by the Princess of Wales and Poppy Delevingne, has removed several pieces from its website after Sara Beltrán, founder of jewellery label Dezso (pictured left), publicly accused the American brand of copying her work
Born in El Paso, Texas, Beltrán is known for jewellery inspired by her ‘travels and love of the ocean’, with signature shell pendants and bracelets retailing for between £700 and £4,000. Pictured left, a necklace from Veronica Beard, and right, a piece from Dezso
She subsequently suggested that the appearance of similar designs in Veronica Beard’s collections may have been linked to her refusal to work with the label, accusing the company of having ‘no ethics’ and of copying her creations.
In her post, she shared three examples of silver shell necklaces she said she had introduced in 2021, alongside pieces subsequently offered by Veronica Beard in 2026.
Dezso’s jewellery is positioned at the luxury end of the market. One similar necklace in Beltrán’s current collection retails for £3,029, while an emerald-cut citrine shell necklace costs £2,272.
By contrast, Veronica Beard’s comparable pieces were priced in the hundreds rather than the thousands, making them considerably more accessible to shoppers.
For independent designers, the stakes can be high when larger brands introduce products bearing a striking resemblance to their work, potentially undercutting the original creators without offering them recognition or compensation.
Beltrán wrote: 'Shame on you, Veronica Beard. Small designers deserve respect. Artisans deserve recognition. Originality matters.'
She added that copying designs undermined the authenticity, craftsmanship and artistry invested in creating them.
The Duchess of Sussex wore the brand during her time on the hit US television drama Suits and has continued to be seen in its tailored suits and coats since joining the Royal Family
Designers Veronica Swanson Beard (L) and Veronica Miele Beard (R) pose for a photo at the Veronica Beard presentation Spring 2016 during New York Fashion Week on September 15, 2015 in New York City
‘Building something authentic takes time. It takes vision, commitment and respect for the people who bring that vision to life. It is not something that can easily be replicated.
‘I have always believed in originality, integrity and the human hands behind what we create, and I refuse to stay silent when those values feel disregarded.’
Founded in 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard, the label has become synonymous with polished American smart-casual style, attracting a wealthy and high-profile following.
The Duchess of Sussex wore the brand during her time on the hit US television drama Suits and has continued to be seen in its tailored suits and coats since joining the Royal Family.
But in an extraordinary twist, Veronica Beard issued a public response to the allegations over the weekend, acknowledging the similarities and announcing that the pieces had been withdrawn.
‘We are aware that certain pieces from our recent jewelry collection closely resemble Dezso designs,’ the brand said in a statement on Instagram, according to Women's Wear Daily.
‘We deeply respect Sara Beltrán, her craft and her business. We have removed the relevant pieces from our stores and website. We are reviewing our design process to prevent mistakes in the future. We sincerely apologize to Sara. Veronica & Veronica.’
The items in question have since been removed from the brand’s website.
The Daily Mail has contacted Veronica Beard for comment.