Holly Willoughby claims Next copied her £365 Grenson boots design, igniting a debate on fashion rights.
Holly Willoughby turned heads in ripped Grenson boots on a recent show in 2025, sparking debate over celebrity fashion, design copying allegations, and financial impact. This article examines the boots, public reaction, legal issues around intellectual property, and how celebrity influence shapes brand value and resale markets.
Holly Willoughby and the Controversial Boots
Television presenter Holly Willoughby recently made headlines after wearing a pair of ripped Grenson boots on a daytime program. The boots, priced at around £450, are part of the British heritage brand’s luxury line, blending classic craftsmanship with a modern, distressed aesthetic.
While some fans praised the edgy look, others raised concerns that the design closely resembles a prior boot style from another designer, sparking debate about design originality and alleged copying in the fashion industry.
The Debate: Design Theft in Luxury Fashion
Allegations of design copying are not uncommon in high-end fashion. When distinctive elements are reproduced without consent, brands risk losing both market differentiation and consumer trust. Grenson has not publicly commented on the matter, but the debate highlights a growing tension between trend-forward designs and intellectual property protection.
Fashion law specialist Sarah Davis, author of Intellectual Property and Fashion, explained:
“Design infringement in footwear is complex. Even small variations can lead to legal disputes, and when celebrity exposure is involved, the stakes — financial and reputational — are amplified.”
This situation illustrates the intersection between celebrity influence and brand protection strategies, as public attention can make potential disputes high-profile very quickly.
Financial Implications for Brands and Consumers
Celebrity endorsements intentional or otherwise can significantly impact brand visibility and sales. Holly Willoughby’s appearance immediately drove social media chatter, increasing search interest and online mentions for Grenson boots.
According to Vestiaire Collective, footwear linked to celebrity sightings can resell for up to 50% above retail price, particularly when scarcity or design controversy adds buzz. This demonstrates how media exposure and celebrity association directly influence market value, including secondary markets.
Legal and Business Considerations
Beyond financial gain, public disputes over copied designs can carry legal and reputational risks. If another designer were to pursue claims, Grenson could face litigation costs, settlement negotiations, or the need to rebrand certain lines.
“Celebrities unwittingly elevate these disputes,” Davis adds. “Public perception can strengthen or weaken a brand’s market position, which has long-term business consequences.”
For consumers, this also affects confidence in authenticity and purchase decisions showing that celebrity appearances are as much about business strategy as fashion statement.
Public Reaction and Cultural Commentary
Social media users were split, with some applauding Willoughby’s bold, modern look and others criticising the design as derivative or overpriced. Yet even critics contributed to a larger cultural conversation about celebrity influence, intellectual property, and the economics of luxury fashion.
According to analysis reviewed by CEO Today, high-profile celebrity appearances like this function as a real-time marketing campaign, shaping both brand reputation and secondary market value.
Final Takeaway
Holly Willoughby’s ripped Grenson boots are more than a fashion choice — they illuminate the complex relationship between celebrity influence, luxury brand strategy, legal intellectual property, and financial impact. Whether celebrated or critiqued, the boots demonstrate how a single appearance can drive cultural conversation, market value, and even legal scrutiny.
In today’s media-driven fashion world, fame, finance, and legal considerations are inseparable — and celebrities like Willoughby sit at the center of that intersection.
