Rihanna's Vogue cover looks familiar—did the star plagiarize?
A year later the magazine receives backlash
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CELEBRITY Rihanna
When it was first released, Rihanna's Vogue Paris cover photoshoot stunned audiences internationally. Artful design, mixed mediums, bright colors, and the singer-songwriter's powerful poses made the shoot appear to be truly one of a kind.
However, almost a full year later, Rihanna and fashion photographer Juergen Teller from behind the shoot, are being accused of plagiarism. The other artist in question is Mickalene Thomas, whose bright collage style seems to be a clear inspiration for the shoot.
One Twitter user posted a collection of Thomas' work, saying, "I just wanna point out that this is very similar to mickalene thomas’ work and juergen NEEDS to explain what’s going on."
I just wanna point out that this is very similar to mickalene thomas’ work and juergen NEEDS to explain what’s going on. pic.twitter.com/61RwLBklzF
— STEVE JXSEPH (@STEVEJXSEPH) July 23, 2018
Next, the user shared Rihanna's shoot, writing, "RIHANNA BY JUERGEN TELLER."
RIHANNA BY JUERGEN TELLER. pic.twitter.com/1LuuhZKLMZ
— STEVE JXSEPH (@STEVEJXSEPH) July 22, 2018
When questioned about the linkages between the two works, a spokesperson for Teller responded saying, "I am not aware of this and unable to comment at the moment as Juergen is away shooting,” according to Nylon.