Nigerian rapper and fashion mogul, Omoniyi in Temidayo Raphael popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has spoken out against the growing trend of publicly shaming individuals for wearing counterfeit designer products.
In a viral video, Zlatan addressed the issue, urging that it’s wrong for fashion entrepreneurs and celebrities to ridicule others who opt for fake designer items, especially when those individuals cannot yet afford the originals.
Zlatan’s comments come amid a wave of online criticisms where some fashion figures have called out fellow celebrities for wearing knockoffs. For example, fashion entrepreneur Rahman Jago recently criticized veteran artist Oritse Femi for wearing fake high-end fashion pieces. Similarly, Ashluxe’s Olayinka Ashogbon called out singer Lyta for wearing counterfeit clothing from his own brand.
These incidents have sparked debates within the fashion community about the line between authenticity and affordability.
In his video early today, Zlatan advocated for empathy and understanding, stating,
“People wey dey buy fake, make dem dey buy am until dey get money to buy original. Person wey wear fake today, go wear original tomorrow.” He suggested.
“Wearing fake items should not be seen as a permanent choice but rather as a stepping stone for those working towards their goals”?
According to him, mocking someone for wearing a fake product disregards the fact that many people are still striving to reach the level of financial success that would allow them to buy authentic designer goods.
“it’s wrong for fashion entrepreneurs to publicly mock people who wear fake products”, he mentioned.
Zlatan’s position offers a broader perspective on the relationship between wealth and fashion, emphasizing that everyone’s journey is different. While some celebrities may be able to afford luxury items, others are still working hard to achieve that level of success. Rather than shame those who can’t afford original pieces, Zlatan believes the focus should be on encouraging personal growth and understanding the financial barriers that many people face.
By challenging the culture of judgment in the fashion industry, Zlatan is calling for more support and solidarity, instead of fostering a divide based on materialism.
His comments remind us that the pursuit of style and success is a personal journey, and today’s "fake" can be tomorrow's authentic expression of self.
