On Sunday we broke a story about Gavin Rajah copying someone else’s design and featuring it in his new collection. The scandal has greatly lowered the tone of the Mercedes Benz Jo’Burg Fashion Week.

The story – originally published here on Sunday 8 March – featured the ‘Reese Witherspoon dress’ – and can be read here.

Other news outlets that have gone with the story since we first published it, including News24, 702, Destiny, ECR, 9Lives and the Mail & Guardian.

City Press also picked up on the story (here) and contacted Rajah for comment:

This new plagiarism scandal comes just a year after Rajah was accused of copying a dress by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
City Press called Rajah this morning for a response.

“No, not interested. This is a tired old story. Have a party with it,” he snapped, quickly cutting off the conversation.
Pressed for a response to the accusations, the glamour designer and event organiser called them “nonsense” and hung up the phone.

Continued below..

Gavin Rajah

No-one is having a party, Gavin. In fact everyone was having a party at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, until the entire event was degraded in the shadows of another scandal. Not that it’s the first time (see here).

Mercedes-Benz, a brand that seemingly prides itself with originality, will no doubt release a statement.

editor@2oceansvibe.com