Nana Akua Addo fashion theft dispute erupts as Paris designer accuses Nigerian stylist of copying AMVCA gown concept
A Paris-based fashion house, La Mode Unknown, has accused Nigerian designer Abbas Woman of alleged design theft over a gown worn by Ghanaian actress Nana Akua Addo at the 12th edition of the AMVCA, in a controversy that has ignited debate across the international fashion community.
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Nana Akua Addo style fashion allegation emerged after the actress’s striking AMVCA outfit went viral over the weekend, drawing widespread attention for its bold architectural design and dramatic silhouette.
According to the Paris-based designer, the Nigerian stylist allegedly reproduced a concept originally developed as a custom couture piece, claiming that the design was taken despite the project being previously cancelled and the deposit refunded.
The fashion house described the alleged replication as “blatant theft,” insisting that the original sketch and creative direction had been used without permission, even though the designer acknowledged that inspiration should, at minimum, be credited.
The statement further intensified the Nana Akua Addo fashion theft dispute, with the brand alleging that the recreated gown closely mirrored its original concept, which was intended for a different client before the project was halted.
Social media reactions have since flooded in, with opinions sharply divided over originality and inspiration in fashion design.
While some users condemned the alleged copying, others argued that no creative idea exists in isolation, suggesting that inspiration often overlaps in high fashion.
One commenter wrote that “the copy is even finer than the original,” while another questioned whether any designer could claim exclusive ownership of architectural or cathedral-inspired aesthetics.
The controversy also comes amid growing scrutiny of credit and authorship within African celebrity fashion, where designers and stylists frequently face disputes over attribution.
In previous years, Nana Akua Addo has also been at the centre of similar conversations, including allegations of missing design credit and broader debates about collaboration transparency in red carpet styling.
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The latest development has once again placed the spotlight on the thin line between inspiration and intellectual property infringement in the global fashion industry.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
