A Colombian brand accuses Met Gala plagiarism. Days after the Met Gala 2026, the Colombian brand Amarpo publicly denounced that some of its designs were used without authorization or recognition during the exclusive dinner held in New York.
The accusation was made by designer Ana Maria Restrepo Gutierrez, founder of the brand, who stated that in 2025, she had been contacted to develop embroidered napkins for the gala. According to the company, they spent several months working on samples and handcrafted details inspired by the event’s concept, but they never received payment or signed a formal contract.
The controversy erupted when members of Amarpo identified designs in photos from the gala that were virtually identical to those they had previously created. According to the complaint, the pieces used during the dinner were digitally reproduced and mass-produced without mentioning the Colombian origin of the creative work.
Amarpo denounced the plagiarism of its designs on social media
Through its social media accounts, Amarpo shared a statement expressing its dissatisfaction with what happened. The brand stated that behind each embroidery piece, there were hours of manual work, research, and artisanal processes that were never financially recognized. The company also shared evidence of chat conversations showing the sample designs they created for the event.
“We created them. We made samples. We perfected every detail. We were never paid for them,” the brand stated in a post that quickly went viral among followers of Latin American fashion.
The situation once again highlighted the vulnerability of emerging designers and independent brands when dealing with major global platforms. For many users, the case reflects how Latin American craftsmanship continues to be used without sufficient mechanisms for protection or compensation.
Beyond the economic aspect, Amarpo insisted that the issue also involves the cultural value of artisanal design. The brand emphasized that luxury is not only about the final image of a product, but also about the hands, stories, and time invested in each creation.
The controversy gained even more attention due to this year’s gala theme, “Fashion Is Art,” which sought to celebrate fashion as an artistic expression.
Intellectual property in the fashion industry
The case sparked debate about the protection of intellectual property within the fashion industry, a sector that has historically faced accusations related to copying, cultural appropriation, and a lack of recognition for small creators.
Although major fashion houses usually operate under strict legal contracts and agreements, independent designers often participate in preliminary projects without clear guarantees regarding the use of their creative proposals.
Textile designs and handcrafted embroidery frequently face legal challenges when it comes to international protection, especially in cases involving informal collaborations or unsigned agreements.
Meanwhile, Amarpo has received support from users, artists, and Colombian designers who view the case as a symbol of defending Latin American creative talent against major cultural industries. It is worth noting that, so far, the organizers of the Met Gala have not issued an official response regarding the allegations.