Janelle Monáe accused by fashion designer of wearing 'copied' outfit for Grammy performance

‘Nobody likes to see unauthorised copies of their original creations - be it in music, art or fashion’

A fashion designer has accused Janelle Monáe of wearing a "copy" of one of her past designs at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

On Sunday 10 February, Monáe delivered a rendition of her hit song "Make Me Feel" from her third studio album Dirty Computer at the Grammys in Los Angeles.

The Grammy-nominated singer wore a black latex bodysuit for the performance with a high white collar and cuffs, white braces and fishnet stockings.

While several people praised Monáe on her bold look, London-based designer Nange Magro has claimed that the ensemble bears a strong resemblance to an outfit she designed four years ago.

Magro is a Japanese-Italian designer and founder of fashion brand Dead Lotus Couture.

Magro took to Instagram following the Grammys, commending Monáe on her musical performance while also drawing parallels between the singer's outfit and her own design.

"Amazing performance by Janelle at the Grammys. She and her dancers looked great," the designer wrote in the caption.

"I'm deeply DISAPPOINTED, though, that their outfits looked so much like one of Dead Lotus Couture's 2015 classic designs."

The designer continued, stating that she would have happily made the outfits for Monáe and her backing dancers had she been asked.

"Nobody likes to see unauthorised copies of their original creations - be it in music, art or fashion," Magro added.

"I am flattered to be an inspiration for this amazing artist, but not flattered that my original design has been blatantly imitated."

Monáe's Grammy performance outfit was designed by fashion brand L. A. Roxx, Magro has claimed on Instagram.

According to Instagram users who commented on Magro's post, L. A. Roxx shared photos of Monáe wearing the latex bodysuit during her performance, which have since been deleted.

"It's a sad day when someone indulges in creative theft," one of Magro's followers commented.

"This can't be considered 'similar', or 'accidental', as there are too many little details that match your designs," another added.

Magro has stated that she believes Monáe may not be aware of the situation, as she says it was the singer's stylist Eric Archibald who commissioned the creation of the outfit.

Monáe has worn by designs by Dead Lotus Couture in the past, having sported an artistic item of headwear created by the brand at Refinery29's 'Turn It Into Art' opening night party in December 2017.

The Independent has contacted Monáe's representatives and Dead Lotus Couture for comment.