Alongside new album folklore, Taylor Swift recently released an array of coinciding merch items. One of which, a nod to album track ‘cardigan’, was an officially branded cardigan with a logo that read ‘the Folklore album’.
However, it’s since been raised that the logo on the cardigan bears a similarity to the logo of online clothing store The Folklore, which specialises in “exclusive styles from Africa and the diaspora’s top luxury and emerging fashion brands.”
Late last month, the company’s founder Amira Rasool took to Instagram to point out the resemblance.
“Based on the similarities of the design, I believe the designer of the merch ripped off my company’s logo. I am sharing my story to bring light to the trend of large companies/celebrities copying the work of small minority-owned business owners. I am not going to let this blatant theft go unchecked.”
In response, the cardigan in question has since been updated to no longer include the word “the” on its logo, and Swift’s team has since issued a statement to Good Morning America.
“Yesterday, we were made aware of a complaint that the specific use of the word ‘the’ before ‘folklore album’ on some of the folklore album merchandise was of concern. Absolutely no merchandise using ‘the’ before the words ‘folklore album’ has been manufactured or sent out.
“In good faith, we honored her request and immediately notified everyone who had ordered merchandise with the word ‘the’ preceding ‘folklore album’ that they will now receive their order with the design change.”
Rasool has since responded, saying she commends Swift’s team for “recognizing the damage the merchandise caused” to her company.
“I recognize that she has been a strong advocate for women protecting their creative rights, so it was good to see her team is on the same page.”
“It was a great first step and we are in conversation right now with Taylor’s team about the next steps to make this situation right,” Rasool added in a follow-up tweet.
Swift has since responded to that tweet personally, saying she admires the work Rasool is doing and is happy to make a contribution to her company.
It was a great first step and we are in conversation right now with Taylor’s team about the next steps to make this situation right.
— Amira Rasool (@AmiraRasool) July 28, 2020
Amira, I admire the work you’re doing and I’m happy to make a contribution to your company and to support the Black in Fashion Council (launching on 8/3) with a donation ?@thefolklore @amirarasool @bifcglobal #blackinfashioncouncil
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 30, 2020
