EAST ATLANTA | Folk artist takes on giant retailer and wins | News

ATLANTA -- A local graphic artist from East Atlanta took on one of the largest clothing retailers in the world and won. But Tori LaConsay had a little help from social media.

LaConsay's fight began in December when friends steered her to H&M's UK website, where products bore a striking similarity to her art work.

On December 14, 2008, LaConsay painted what she called a love letter to her East Atlanta neighborhood. The sign she painted was posted on the community's main street Flat Shoals Avenue. One side of the sign read "You Look Nice Today" with a little heart on it. On the other side, she painted "I'm So Happy You're Here" with another little heart.

When she saw the products on H&M's website, she was convinced that H&M was so impressed with her work that they used it. Products like pillow cases, door mats and towels had the words "You Look Nice Today" with a very similar font and a little heart.

LaConsay posted pictures of her art and the H&M products on the art blog, Regretsy, along with early denials from the company that they stole her art work.

It wasn't long before social network sites lit up, including H&M's Facebook and Twitter pages. People complained to the company that they would stop shopping at H&M.

Last Saturday, the giant retailer settled with the amateur folk artist and agreed to her somewhat modest demands, according to her attorney, John Seay.

Seay told 11Alive News that LaConsay received an undisclosed cash settlement, and the company agreed to contribute $3,000 toward surgery for her best friend's dog. They also agreed to donate the remaining products the store had to charity.

In a statement LaConsay said:

"Today (Saturday) I have some good news for everyone. This morning (Saturday), H&M contacted my attorney to extend the olive branch and work towards an agreement that I am truly pleased to be a part of. In a gesture of kindness, H&M has offered not only to settle this matter with me, but also with the public at large, by donating $3,000 towards a very expensive surgery for my best friend's pet, a sweet rescue dog named Fred. Additionally, H&M has offered to donate the remainder of the "You Look Nice Today" stock to charitable organizations. I am especially pleased that this agreement respectfully honors the true intent behind the original artwork, offering a message of love, compassion and community. Additionally, I am heartened and vindicated in my belief that given the chance and support, that people want to do the right thing. H&M, you've done the right thing. I thank you, and Fred thanks you. You Look Nice Today."

Her attorney said the settlement was amicable. "We look forward to exploring legitimate licensing opportunities in the near future," Seay said.