The world of Pakistani fashion has been stirred by a new controversy as renowned designer Faiza Saqlain publicly accused actor Maya Ali’s clothing brand, MAYA Prêt-À-Porter, of allegedly copying her signature designs.
In an Instagram post, Saqlain shared a series of side-by-side images comparing her previous collections to Maya Ali’s recently released outfits and the resemblances, she claimed, were far too close to be coincidence. “Inspired in all respects. Should I be flattered?” she wrote, clearly expressing her disappointment over what she viewed as creative plagiarism.
According to Faiza, the similarities didn’t just stop at fabric or embroidery; from the cuts and colour palette to even the photoshoot backdrop and model selection, she alleged that Ali’s brand had borrowed heavily from her work. “It would be great to see something truly original next time,” she added in her story, urging the brand to develop its own creative voice rather than mimic others’.
Among the designs she highlighted was a bridal ensemble from MAYA’s “Bus Tum” collection that bore uncanny resemblance to one of Faiza’s 2021 creations. Another example was a velvet ombré sari from the “Viola Luxe” line, featuring a strikingly similar gradient and silver border - a design Faiza had introduced the previous year, though in a different hue. The final example was a black peshwas, which appeared almost identical to Saqlain’s 2023 catalogue image, even down to the same model.
While Maya Ali and her brand have yet to issue any public statement, fans and fellow designers have been quick to take sides. Many social media users reshared Faiza’s posts, expressing frustration over what they viewed as a lack of originality in the industry. Some even recalled the emotional value behind the allegedly copied bridal design, calling it “heartbreaking” to see something so personal replicated.
As the debate heats up online, fashion enthusiasts are left wondering: Is imitation truly the sincerest form of flattery or just creative theft?
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