A sari he showcased at the Delhi Couture Week has apparently been 'inspired' by a 2010 Nachiket Barve design, worn by Jaya Bachchan

Imitation does seem to be in fashion these days, though we're not sure if copying an outfit is the sincerest form of flattery.

The ongoing Delhi Couture Week may have to deal with yet another case of plagiarism, as this time it is none other than veteran designer J J Valaya who has come under the scanner.

One of the sari's from Valaya's collection Tasveer bears an uncanny resemblance to designer Nachiket Barve's outfit donned by none other than Jaya Bachchan during the Mumbai Fashion week in September 2010.

Barve discovered this himself, and announced it to the world through a social networking site. He not only posted images of both the outfits, but also wrote: "My original mosaic border sari seen in the two pictures.

Worn beautifully by the very elegant Mrs. B. A close imitation at the couture week. Be flattered or really mad? Not amused."

Strangely, the designer did not really seem in a mood to complain. When asked for a reaction, Barve said, "J J is a very senior designer and I have a lot of respect for his work. It's not a big deal."

Though he may not be keen to make a hue and cry about it, the fact remains that designers across the country are yet to discover the line between inspiration and imitation, and there couldn't be a bigger example.

J J Valaya was unavailable for comment.

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2008 - Designer Tarun Tahiliani accused Renu Tandon of stealing his designs and even threatened to go to court.

2009 - Designer Rohit Bal faced a similar charge when Vijay Laxmi Dogra accused him of lifting her signature 'Lotus Pond' design.