Controversy trails Ghanaian actress Nana’s Cathedral dress as brand claims ownership of dress design

A fashion brand has claimed that the stunning Cathedral dress Nana Akua Addo wore to the AMVCA is their design. 

Nana’s dress was designed by Nigerian fashion designer Mohammed Abbas.

However, after her dress received attention from the international community, a number of westerners accused the Ghanaian celebrity of theft and tagged the brand they claim own the original design.

Responding, Almée Couture claimed ownership of the design.

According to the fashion brand, Nana came to them initially and they designed the dress, but she ended up terminating their business dealings, only for them to see that another designer made the same dress for her using their original sketch.

Almée wrote on Instagram: “We normally choose not to speak publicly on private creative matters. However, due to the growing confusion surrounding this design, we feel it is important to provide a respectful clarification.

“This project was originally developed with the client last year as part of a commissioned couture piece. The client initially shared a cathedral-inspired concept with us, which served only as the starting point of the discussion. From there, ALmée Couture was fully responsible for developing the final artistic vision, original sketch, silhouette, structural detailing, couture direction, and overall execution of the design.

“Every element of the gown’s identity — including the proportions, architectural interpretation, construction details, textures, fabric manipulation, and couture development — was created and refined by our house through extensive creative work, craftsmanship, and countless hours of handwork from our team.

“Following the cancellation of the project and the full refund of the deposit, it was also clearly communicated and mutually acknowledged that ALmée Couture would retain full ownership and exclusive rights to the developed design, sketches, and couture interpretation created by our house.

“We later discovered that the final gown was produced elsewhere using the original sketch and developed design direction created by ALmée Couture, without acknowledgment of our creative contribution.

“To clarify respectfully: ALmée Couture has never claimed ownership over the cathedral concept itself. Inspiration can come from many places, and clients may naturally share references or themes during the creative process. However, transforming a general concept into a complete couture design through original sketching, silhouette development, structural interpretation, and artistic execution is the work of the designer and atelier behind the piece.

“As a couture house, we deeply value creativity, artistry, and the emotional dedication behind every design we create. We continue to respect all creatives and artisans within the industry, while also believing that original design development deserves proper acknowledgment, respect, and ethical consideration.”