ALmee Couture argued that the Ghanaian agreed that it would retain exclusive rights to the developed design, sketches, and couture interpretation of the outfit.
By Kehinde Okeowo
A France-based fashion designer, ALmee Couture, has alleged that German-born Ghanaian model, actress, and film producer Nana Akua Addo blatantly stole the “cathedral” outfit she donned for this year’s Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The prestigious event took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel in Lagos State, with many movie stars from across Africa showcasing elegant outfits from various designers.
While some thespians went home with award plaques, Nana Akua Addo was hailed as one of the best-dressed guests on the red carpet for her architectural masterpiece, labelled the “cathedral” dress.
As the dress trended on social media, with netizens complimenting the intricate design, ALmee Couture—the designer initially contacted to create the piece—called the actress out for failing to credit the fashion house for its role in the garment’s creation.
Taking to Instagram, the designer alleged that Nana had approached the Paris-based house to create her AMVCA look, presenting an AI-generated sketch of her initial idea.
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According to ALmee Couture, the inspiration was drawn from the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The fashion house claims it handled the final artistic vision, including the original sketch, silhouette, structural detailing, couture direction, and overall execution of the design.
The designer further asserted that both parties had agreed that ALmee Couture would retain full ownership and exclusive rights to the developed design, sketches, and couture interpretation created by the brand.
The fashion house, which also alleged that Nana Akua Addo’s initial payment was refunded, insisted that the filmmaker and her eventual tailor should have acknowledged that the AMVCA outfit was inspired by its work.
The post, after doing the rounds online, elicited mixed reactions. Some Instagram users argued that Nana Akua Addo owned the original concept and simply handed it to another designer for execution.
Others, however, maintained that the designer who ultimately constructed the outfit should have credited ALmee Couture for the inspiration and structural blueprints.
