While unique was certainly one of the first words we used to describe Yoko Ono's debut collection with Opening Ceremony, it seems as though the risqué designs may not be as original as we suspected. Brooklyn artist Haleh Nematzadeh has come forward, claiming that Ono plagiarized the spring '12 designs of her namesake line and used them for the OC pieces featuring printed hands over the crotch and nipple embellishments in no short supply.
According to the Telegraph U.K., Ono has not made any official comment on these allegations but has previously claimed that the designs were inspired by her late husband, John Lennon, as well as artwork she gifted to him. While we hate to believe the worst, we must admit Nematzadeh and Ono's designs are strikingly similar — like the his-and-her version of the same "hands-on" theme — and sadly, in this case, imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery.
What's your take? Are these designs a bit too similar, or is this just a strange coincidence? (Telegraph U.K.)
Photo: Courtesy of Haleh Nematzadeh; Courtesy of Opening Ceremony