They say imitation is the best form of flattery but I’m sure these hardworking designers think otherwise. In the age of social media, it is almost impossible for copycats to get away with stealing ideas. Netizens aren’t afraid to tell it like it is and somehow get justice for the original artists. Two people in particular are doing away the filter and posting for the world to see.
Diet Prada is an Instagram account that posts “ppl knocking each other off.” Their casual approach to the issue is refreshing as many fashion critics have lost their voice. They post comparisons that they see on the runway, in magazines, along with blunt, witty captions.
According to an interview with The Cut, the people behind Diet Prada have “a combined education and professional background in both fashion design and history.” The reason why they started this account is because while attending runway shows they would make jokes about outfits that looked almost identical, they wanted to share them on IG.
Since starting Diet Prada three years ago, they have over 61,000 followers with some over sending in submissions through #DietPradaDetectives. “Now that our fan base has grown so much, we’re lucky that a lot of our followers send us submissions. We love them and have been super impressed with how passionate and loyal they are.”
Naomi Campbell is a fan of this account too as she followed them and has commented on their posts like,“Bless you @dietprada call it out!!”
This account then brings up the issue of plagiarism in the fashion industry. There is a fine line between paying homage and ripping someone off completely. Fashion is a creative process so we look to big fashion brands and runways for something fresh and new, not something stolen. Diet Prada founders shed some light by saying, “We feel that to be an homage it needs to come from a place of love, and better if they credit the inspiration. Copies generally have a commercial air to them.” If these designers are stealing ideas for cash, best to spend your money elsewhere.
Would you call out copycats in the fashion industry too?
Art by Lara Intong
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