by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 4, 2025
The designer explains why Telfar couldn’t have stolen his model.
A Black designer is shutting down critics that accused Telfar of copying their purse designs.
The unbiased designer, Rovell Gaither, is addressing considerations that the favored clothes line stole his branding with their newest “Dumpling Bag” drop. The purses, which characteristic a denim exterior with topstitching, has sparked controversy, given its similarities to the younger designer’s aesthetic. The Neighborhood Discuss shared images of comparable items.
Gaither posted on TikTok to talk about the controversy. Whereas he wouldn’t affirm that Telfar outright stole his design, he did share that he “100% agrees” with folks’s considerations on their similarities.
@rovellgaither Lastly addresseing the brand new telfar bag state of affairs… and please watch the entire thing so NOTHING is taken out of context!!! #fyp #style #fashiontiktok #rovellgaither #bagdesigner #bagmaking #telfarbag #fashiondesigner #fashiondesign ♬ unique sound – Rovell Gaither
“Did [Telfar] copy from me? No. And the explanation why I’m saying that’s as a result of I’ve by no means made a bag that appears precisely like that. Now, there are parts of that bag that’s my, that’s my model,” shared Gaither.
“You recognize, the swirls, the denim… For Telfar, that’s not one thing that they do. That’s approach out of their caliber, however that’s actually on model for me. In order that’s why lots of people have been saying that. However do I really feel like they copied me? No, as a result of I’ve by no means made something that appears precisely like that.”
But, the designer didn’t deny that Telfar may have “probably” taken inspiration from him. He advised his TikTok followers that you just “by no means know” who might watch your content material and use it for their very own.
“Now, for taking inspiration or being impressed…probably,” revealed Gaither.
“And the explanation why I say that’s since you by no means know who’s watching you, particularly once you use social media. Simply as simply as my work can come throughout your ‘For You’ web page or the one who’s following me, or who likes my work, is identical approach you’ll be able to simply come throughout any person else who could also be seeking to take inspiration and incorporate it into their work.”
Telfar has but to touch upon the difficulty. Gaither, nevertheless, has used the second as a lesson for creatives to know anybody can discover and probably be impressed by one’s work.
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