Celine Dion did not copy Zynell Zuh’s hideous VGMA red carpet outfit

When businesswoman and pop singer, Celine Dion, stepped out at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday to perform one of her biggest hits song "My Heart Will Go On" from the Titanic soundtrack marking the films 20th anniversary, she not only stole the hearts of many with her powerful voice but captured more with her spectacular gown.

Created by talented French designer, Stephane Rolland, the white gown which came with an embellished bodice, sculptured sleeves and a low cut v-neck was a picture of power, attitude, and poise, a clear reflection of who Ms. Dion was and still is.

The singer’s stylist, Law Roach who has styled several Hollywood A-listers is credited with picking the outfit for the performance last weekend.

Interestingly, after the curtains had been closed on the performance and the rich widow probably settled back into her luxurious life, certain sections of the Ghanaian entertainment and fashion industry are accusing the French singer of notoriously copying none other than Ghanaian actress, Zynell Zuh’s VGMA red carpet outfit.

A situation I find very worrying and despicable by all ethical standards.

It’s pretty sad that fashion insiders would praise Zynell and her designer, Sima Brew for an outfit they rather stole from the original designer and describe it in Celebrity Blogger Ameyaw Debrah's own words “Influential”.

Celine Dion and her team may or may not get the opportunity to see these accusations and I’m certain in my mind that they would even brush them off if they did. However, it behooves us as media people not only to tell the stories but educate and right wrongs in our society.

As such, Zynell Zuh should rather be at the receiving end for sitting on her social media going on the page of the French designer stealing his idea and posing as hers.

The fault cannot be laid solely at the doorstep of the actress or the media house praising such mediocrity but largely on her tailor.

Ooops sorry, glorified tailor..my bad I meant to write designer. Forgive me if I’m not sure what to call her since she calls herself one name and acts as another.

If you would find time to look at Stephane Rolland’s Instagram page you will find that the Couturier released the lookbook for his collection which included this piece as far back as 14 weeks ago, 16th February 2017 to be very precise.

On the other hand, Zynell Zuh stepped out looking like a Thanksgiving Turkey in her hideous blue gown made from obviously inferior fabrics in April, two clear months after the release of the former.

It’s true that over the years certain Western brands have copied shamelessly designs and ideas belonging to African designers and repackaged them. On top of the list is Valentino’s copying of the Ahenemma (traditional Akan slippers) and naming it Tong wooden sandal which goes for $ 1,345,00.

These co-operations due to the extensive influence they possess may never be called to book or apologize for the thievery but it doesn’t mean we should tow the same line.

Fashion design is pretty hard work and if a designer manages to create a design from scratch only for it to be stolen by another in the name of inspiration or a mere coincidence then the confidence of such people will be destroyed.

The Ghanaian fashion industry is still growing and it may take several years to build it but if at this young age all we do is steal and praise the thieves for a good job done then we are only destroying all the hard work of the pioneers such as the late Kofi Ansah, Joyce Ababio, Morton Tailors, Nayak and Nallem clothing.

There is no way Law Roach, a stylist of his nature will go out of his way to plagiarise or copy an outfit from Zynell Zuh. The thought is ludicrous and the earlier we halt that propaganda the better for ourselves and any impending lawsuit this could come with.

Finally, let me remind you that the measure of style is not solely based on the red carpet outfit these Ghanaian “Slay queens” which includes Zynell, Nana Akua Addo and all the other actors fighting for relevance wear. Style transcends just the evening gowns and ballroom outfits, it captures what you wear in and out of the public eye, makeup. Style is a matter of personal taste, influence, art and sometimes even your background. Fashion they say is what you buy and style eventually is what you do with it.

At the end of the day I leave you with some food for thought from one of my favourite designers, Mr Marc Jacobs and he says "I still appreciate individuality. Style is much more interesting than fashion, really”.

I rest my case only to lift up after Ghana meets Naija this Saturday.