There's no doubt that Miley Cyrus' several insane outfits at last night's MTV VMAs will last long in a rogues gallery of batshit crazy VMA fashion. With that many wardrobe changes, you can bet that each one of Cyrus' outfits were planned well in advance of the live show. One thing she probably wasn't betting on, is getting called out by VFILES and designers Discount Universe.
Who the f**k is Discount Universe you ask? The Melbourne, Australia-based design duo (made up of Cami James and Nadia Napreychikov) is a VFILES cult favorite, using an aggressive, over-the-top, glittery aesthetic that's caught the eye (remember this detail) of Miley Cyrus in the past. One look at the label's turn on the VFILES Made Fashion Show runway back in February, and it's clear that Cyrus and Discount Universe are a good match. So much so, that the pair worked together in the past, with Cyrus helping to popularize the label's “PRAY FUR UR LYF” tee in a shoot with Terry Richardson—something that would also be featured as imagery on Cyrus' Bangerz tour. Cyrus has also been featured on the brand's Instagram page.
The controversy between Cyrus and the brand seems to have stemmed from Cyrus' final outfit from last night's award show, with Cyrus premiering her new song "Dooo It!" with 31 drag queens as the VMAs grand finale. While it could be said of a majority of Cyrus' looks throughout the night, it was the looks in this final performance that truly resembled Discount Universe's aesthetic—namely, large eye-shaped graphics and glittery, angular colorblocking. However, performance costumes were not designed by Discount Universe, instead designed by little-known designer Brad "BCalla" Callahan.
The resemblance was not lost on VFILES founder Julie Ann Quay who responded to and condemned Cyrus' actions on Twitter.
A statement from VFILES founder @JulieAnneQuay regarding the VMAs: pic.twitter.com/kvFDxIkxbd
Discount Universe also responded to the alleged copycat designs, first with an E-card, followed by a more formal statement to fans.
As of this writing, Cyrus has not yet addressed the complaints. As mentioned in The Sydney Morning Herald, Women's Wear Daily contributor Patty Huntington noted that "emerging brands get ripped off all the time...perhaps...this guy was called upon to design something for less money with the promise of exposure."
No matter how you feel about the designs of Discount Universe, one thing is clear: the resemblance between its designs and those of BCalla (at least in this situation) is rather striking.
