Independent designer Rovell Gaither has spoken out following accusations that popular fashion brand Telfar copied his aesthetic with their latest “Dumpling Bag” drop. The controversy began when social media users pointed out the similarities between Gaither’s signature handbag style and Telfar’s new denim-exterior release, sparking a heated debate in the fashion community.
Gaither Breaks His Silence on TikTok
Taking to TikTok, Gaither addressed the speculation in a video where he clarified his stance while acknowledging the concerns of his supporters.
“Did [Telfar] copy from me? No. And the reason why I’m saying that is because I’ve never made a bag that looks exactly like that,” Gaither explained.
However, he did not dismiss the possibility that his work may have influenced Telfar’s latest design.
“You know, the swirls, the denim… For Telfar, that’s not something that they do. That’s way out of their caliber, but that’s really on-brand for me,” he shared. “So that’s why a lot of people were saying that.”
While he emphasized that Telfar did not directly copy him, Gaither acknowledged the reality of inspiration in the fashion world.
Gaither’s message carried a broader lesson for independent creatives: in an era of social media, inspiration can be drawn from anywhere—sometimes without acknowledgment.
“Now, for taking inspiration or being inspired… potentially,” he admitted. “And the reason why I say that is because you never know who is watching you, especially when you use social media.”
The designer urged his followers to remain aware of how their work circulates online, emphasizing that larger brands can easily come across smaller artists’ content and incorporate elements into their own collections.
Telfar Remains Silent
As of now, Telfar has yet to address the controversy. Despite the ongoing speculation, Gaither appears to be taking the moment in stride, using it as a teaching opportunity rather than a battle.