The Givenchy creative director has said a braided design recently modelled by Beyoncé in Harpers Bazaar’s September issue was an “homage” to Cho, after facing criticism on social media.

Earlier this month, Athena Currey, a former model and friend of Cho’s, made a series of Instagram posts pointing out the similarities between Cho’s signature braided silk designs from his Fall 2001 collection and pieces from Williams’ Fall 2021 collection for Givenchy. Other commentators, including friend’s of Cho’s, chimed in and the criticism was also picked up by Diet Prada.

Williams first responded to the claims in an Instagram story, acknowledging Cho’s influence. The story, which stated Williams assisted Cho early in his career and used the braided technique in his recent collection in homage to him, was posted as a screenshot by Diet Prada. Williams also updated the caption under a June 28 image of a black dress to credit Cho, according to Diet Prada.

Givenchy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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