It is not an easy path to follow if you want to be creative. It takes time, patience, and hours of brooding before a notion can be born. Some just seek inspiration, while others simply copy the owner’s work without providing credit where credit is due. This isn’t limited to fashion companies; every field believes in the need to uphold a standard of quality, therefore that’s when we do anything, even whether it’s as simple as ‘copying’ or as widely known as ‘plagiarising.’
We saw a post that had two designs put together to call out Mumbai-based designer Sonaakshi Raaj Merani for borrowing inspiration or straight-up replicating Jean Paul Gaultier’s custom-made monochrome gown that Bella Hadid wore for the opening of the 74th Cannes Film Festival in a recent episode of moral (fashion) policing done by Diet Sabya. This strapless antique gown is reminiscent of his 2002 collection, from which he designed this gown with chic accents once again. To begin, the black sheer tulle is the finest illustration of one-of-a-kind craftsmanship.
Sonaakshi recently surprised us by not thinking it was necessary to change the colour or pattern of the tulle used as a halter-neck embellishment at the front. We saw the same show for the second time, but the first will always hold a special place in our hearts. The only thing that isn’t so admirable about this is that she chose to create a coordinated set instead of wearing the same gown as Jean. Did this help to lighten the weight of the blunder? We certainly hope so.