Is Kim Kardashian copying someone else’s style? That’s the question that emerged after Serbian pop star Jelena Karleusa accused the reality star of stealing her personal style. The controversy came to light when Karleusa posted a split image on Instagram, showing her resemblance to Kardashian.
In her posts, the pop star pointed out the striking similarities between her signature glam, pouty, bleached blonde, and skintight monochrome looks and those flaunted by Kim during Paris Fashion Week. The images drew the attention of both fans and followers.
Karleusa told Us Weekly the following about Kim in 2015:
“I think that her [Kim Kardashian’s] stylists are inspired by my IG page, not her. I don’t have a stylist; I do it all by myself. She is beautiful, so it doesn’t matter if she puts (sic) anything on her head. She doesn’t need hair at all.”
Later, Kim addressed the copying rumors on her website and offered compliments to Jelena. She wrote:
“My Woman Crush Wednesday goes out to Serbian pop star Jelena Karleusa! I first became aware of her when people compared our looks — some even said I copied her! So, of course, I had to check her out. She is pretty fabulous! Some of our looks really do seem similar. I love her bold sense of style! We’re both total glam girls! She seems like a powerful, hardworking woman, and I love that. Much respect!”
Jelena reposted these words of Kardashian on her Instagram page, writing:
“Speechless. Much respect.”
Under Karleusa’s post, some supported Jelena, believing that she deserved credit for her contributions to the fashion world, and they praised her for seeking the recognition she rightfully deserved. On the other hand, some fans defended Kim, stating that she might not have been directly involved in the stylist’s choices and that she ultimately did give credit where it was due.