Ghanaian actress and fashion figure Nana Akua Addo has responded to allegations of intellectual property theft surrounding her outfit at the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The controversy began after international fashion house ALmée Couture accused Nigerian designer Abbas Woman of copying a design concept allegedly developed for Nana Akua-Addo before their working relationship ended.
Nana Akua Addo drew attention online after appearing at the awards in a cathedral inspired outfit designed by Abbas Woman. The look quickly became one of the most discussed fashion moments from the event.
In a statement shared on Instagram, ALmée Couture claimed the actress initially approached the brand with a concept inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. According to the fashion house, the idea later evolved into a detailed couture design developed internally by the brand before the collaboration was discontinued.
“The client initially shared a cathedral-inspired concept with us, which served only as the starting point of the discussion. From there, ALmée Couture was fully responsible for developing the final artistic vision, original sketch, silhouette, structural detailing, couture direction, and overall execution of the design,” part of the statement read.
The brand also stated that after Nana withdrew from the project and received a refund, both parties agreed that ownership of the design remained with the fashion house.
“It was also clearly communicated and mutually acknowledged that ALmée Couture would retain full ownership and exclusive rights to the developed design, sketches, and couture interpretation created by our house,” the statement added.
Reacting on Instagram, Nana denied the allegations and maintained that the creative concept belonged to her.
“I reached out to Almeer for my outfit. I shared my idea with you and explained exactly how I wanted it. You mentioned that you didn’t want to execute it the way I envisioned because of how detailed my ideas were. A refund was made, and I eventually got someone else to create it.
“So why and how is it now being claimed as yours?… THE AUDACITY!!!!! THIS WAS MY MOODBOARD, architecture, structure!!!!
“I carry my idea and concept come show you, you say you no fit do am, I carry my Kaya go another place, headache don Dey worry you 😂 @abbaswoman.ng @abbaswoman.ng YOU DO ALL !!! YOU TOOK THE RISK !!!” she posted.
She also shared screenshots of conversations she said supported her claim that the concept originated from her.
The dispute has revived conversations about a similar controversy involving the actress after the 2024 AMVCA. At the time, Nigerian designer Ezinne Olivia accused Nana Akua Addo of failing to credit her for an outfit she allegedly created for the awards.
According to reports circulated online then, the designer claimed she was removed from the actress’ styling team and was allegedly asked to choose between receiving public credit or a payment of N400,000. She reportedly accepted the payment but later appealed for support, describing the project as her first AMVCA design.
