Global fashion retailer Zara recently caused a public uproar following accusations that the brand copied the work of independent artists. Last week, Los Angeles-based artist Tuesday Bassen announced on her instagram account that she had filed an official complaint against Zara for copyright infringement. She joins at least a dozen artists who allege Zara stole their designs, adding their work to products without the permission or compensation of the artists. 

Bassen’s case reflects how today’s consumers value transparency, honesty and integrity; and how shoppers swiftly turn to social media to vocalize their disappointment to the masses when companies stray from these principles.