Ghanaian actress Nana Akua Oddo has been criticized by fashion stylist Toyin Lawani, popularly known as Tiannah, over a dispute with a certain Ezinne Olivia, who claimed that she created the actress’ attire at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).
After Ezinne claimed she created the movie star’s attire for the AMVCA 2024, but was not given credit, Nana threatened to sue. Through legal counsel, Nana requested in a cease and desist letter that Ezinne take down the disparaging remarks she had made on her unwillingness to give credit and issue an apology that would be published in two national dailies in a day.
![](https://kartiavelino.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/441526347_845769040918081_7229544307609842656_n-912x1024.jpg)
Weighing in on the matter in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Toyin Lawani stated that Nana should have enlisted the services of a professional tailor who would not feel entitled to a tag on social media after getting paid.
![](https://kartiavelino.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_6908-867x1024.jpeg)
The 42-year-old claimed that branding the fashion designer is acceptable even if payment was made for the services provided.
She added that celebrities like Nana could still pay Ezinne and tag her on social media because it would help her business because “we rise by lifting others.”
Toyin Lawani wrote in parts:
“Atimes we don’t expect them to run the service for free, some might not even have the money to do what you want, if that inner wear was gucci there’s no way they wouldn’t have been tagged.
“Next time NANA should get a professional tailor to run the service (that won’t feel entitled cause that’s their job they are not designers, they just follow instructions and help u bring out ur ideas) and get her stylist to do the work.
“This girl is a young designer that will by all means want to affiliate with that dress, cause styling it wasn’t easy, she was very wrong to have claimed she designed the dress at lst without clarifying what and what services she offered exactly, We saw proof she didn’t do the 3d which was mostly the main structure of the dress, She would have stated she built the inner dress and helped styled. So this caused why everyone went after the Nana babe, But let’s all do better, That’s we pay people for service doesn’t mean we can’t tag them, We rise by lifting one another.
“We all can do better with a little support by tagging when possible, ontop I still feed everyone on my set. Well except the girl had a nasty attitude towards work then will not tag her.”
![](https://kartiavelino.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo-output-82-scaled-1-536x1024.jpeg)
Lawani’s intervention also addressed the fine line in the fashion industry between appropriation and collaboration. While cooperation entails acknowledging, respecting, and cooperating with one another’s contributions, appropriation happens when one party takes credit for another’s work without that person’s agreement or acknowledgement. Maintaining honesty and fairness in the industry depends on this distinction.
The AMVCA outfit controversy serves as a valuable lesson for both industry insiders and aspiring fashion enthusiasts. It underscores the importance of transparency, communication, and integrity in all professional dealings. Whether it’s a high-profile red carpet event or a grassroots fashion project, ethical conduct and mutual respect should always remain paramount.
The fashion community is left to consider the standards maintained and the lessons learnt as this specific issue comes to an end. It serves as a reminder that every glitzy outfit conceals a tale of imagination, commitment, and teamwork. The fashion business may prosper and inspire future generations if the contributions of all those involved are acknowledged and valued.
Toyin Lawani’s involvement in the current AMVCA attire dispute exposes the subtleties and complexity of the fashion industry. There is a deeper story about professionalism, ethics, and teamwork beneath the glitz and glamour, and it merits consideration and respect. Let us endeavor to maintain the principles of openness, honesty, and reciprocity as we carry on with this discussion. This will guarantee that credit is given appropriately and that creativity thrives in an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.