Diet Prada is an Instagram account that has been making waves in the fashion industry for its no-holds-barred approach to calling out copycat designs and problematic behavior. Founded in 2014 by Tony Liu and Lindsey Schuyler, Diet Prada has since amassed over 2 million followers and has become a go-to source for fashion industry news.
So, what exactly did Diet Prada do? Let’s start from the beginning.
The Origins of Diet Prada
Liu and Schuyler met while working at a fashion branding agency in New York City. They quickly bonded over their shared frustration with the lack of accountability in the fashion industry, particularly when it came to issues like cultural appropriation and plagiarism.
In 2014, they decided to do something about it and founded Diet Prada as a platform to call out these issues. The name “Diet Prada” is a nod to the idea of “diet culture,” where people are encouraged to consume less in order to be healthier. In the same way, Diet Prada encourages people to consume less of problematic fashion practices in order to make the industry healthier.
What Does Diet Prada Do?
Diet Prada’s main goal is to hold the fashion industry accountable for its actions. This includes calling out copycat designs (where one designer copies another designer’s work), cultural appropriation (where designers borrow elements from another culture without proper credit or understanding), and other problematic behavior.
They also highlight emerging designers, share behind-the-scenes looks at fashion events, and provide commentary on trends and current events in the industry.
Why Is Diet Prada So Controversial?
While many people applaud Diet Prada for its efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the fashion industry, others criticize them for being too harsh or bullying designers. Some have even accused them of being biased or having ulterior motives.
In addition, Diet Prada has been sued multiple times for defamation. However, they have been successful in defending themselves in court and have continued to operate with the same level of scrutiny and criticism.
What Impact Has Diet Prada Had?
Diet Prada has had a significant impact on the fashion industry. Many designers have been called out for copying others’ designs or engaging in cultural appropriation, leading to public apologies and changes in behavior.
In addition, the fashion industry as a whole has become more aware of these issues and has started taking steps to address them. For example, some fashion companies now have diversity and inclusion officers, and many are making efforts to credit the cultures that inspire their designs.
Conclusion
Diet Prada may be controversial, but there is no denying that they have brought much-needed transparency and accountability to the fashion industry. By calling out problematic behavior and highlighting emerging designers, they are helping to make the industry more inclusive and ethical.
Love them or hate them, Diet Prada is here to stay. And with their growing influence, it’s clear that they will continue to shape the future of fashion for years to come.