Fashion Nova, the fast fashion retailer, has released an assortment of pop star costumes in time for Halloween. Drawing inspiration from Lil’ Kim, Cardi B, and Selena Quintanilla, respectively, in addition to one outfit in memory of Aaliyah, who passed away earlier this year.
Fashion Nova markets its latest products directly to consumers via Instagram by posting try-on hauls and teaming up with influencers like Cardi B.
Love Don’t Cost a Thing
Love Don’t Cost a Thing is a tight urban remake of the 1987 teen comedy Can’t Buy Me, Love, though some may find the remake less satisfying than its original. Still, its humorous moments and Nick Cannon’s charisma help make up for its lack of originality.
Though flawed, the movie conveys a vital message. Love costs nothing but energy, sleep, food, mood, and focus! Sometimes expectations, heartbreaks, or disappointments occur along the way; one should learn this truth early.
Fashion Nova has collaborated with numerous celebrities (Cardi B and Kylie Jenner being just two). Still, the fast fashion retailer has also criticized them for replicating one-of-a-kind designer looks they have worn. Kim Kardashian took particular exception to Fashion Nova copying a vintage Thierry Mugler dress she had worn to a beauty awards show. However, Fashion Nova responded immediately in its response.
Take a Bow
Fashion Nova recently unveiled an eye-catching Halloween collection of celebrity-inspired costumes just in time for All Hallows Eve, inspired by iconic looks worn on the red carpet or stage. Their lookbook showcases looks inspired by iconic looks worn by Jennifer Lopez, Lil’ Kim, Madonna, Cardi B, Aaliyah Quintanilla (deceased singers), Housemaid attire, and loungewear-inspired loungewear.
Celebrity-inspired outfits might seem sparse initially, but they are affordable – several looks can be purchased for under $100, including all accessories and wigs.
One costume, in particular, has caused quite the stir: Fashion Nova’s pink satin Playboy bunny suit is making waves: It resembles outfits featured in Playboy magazine, prompting Playboy to sue Fashion Nova for trademark infringement based on claims they sell a “shockingly similar” bunny costume with cuffs, collar, bow tie, and a ribbon name tag that “look almost identical to Playboy’s Playmate of the Month Bunny Costume.” According to documents obtained by TMZ, they sell a “shockingly similar” bunny costume that “looks almost identically similar” when compared to what Playboy sells its Playmate of the Month Bunny Costume!” Fashion Nova stands accused of selling one such “shockingly similar” bunny costume complete with cuffs collar collar collar bow tie ribbon name tag which “looks almost identically similar.”
This lawsuit seeks injunctive relief against retailers selling ripoff costumes like those found on resale sites with descriptions like “Fashion Nova Playboy Bunny Costume” or “Playboy Bunny Costume Halloween.”
Money Moves
Fashion Nova has become well-known for partnering with celebrities to launch collections, often copying off one-of-a-kind looks worn by Cardi B, Lil Kim, Selena, Aaliyah, and Jenner. However, the company’s products have been criticized, precisely when recreating looks from Kanye West’s Yeezy line. In this episode, Lauren briefly touches Ye’s antisemitic comments before focusing on an embarrassing crypto ad and SEC fining Kardashian.
Lauren discusses inflation, rising interest rates, impending recession, and tips on budgeting, saving, side hustles, and retirement funds. Tune in live every other Wednesday from 10 pm ET, live-streamed via Spotify!
Crush on You
With Halloween just around the corner, online fast-fashion retailer Fashion Nova has unveiled an array of pop star costumes guaranteed to get noticed this All Hallows Eve. Their lineup includes J.Lo’s “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” gown, Madonna’s cone bra look, and Cardi B’s suit that promises significant attention!
Fashion Nova received criticism for creating a provocative geisha costume which many saw as offensive and culturally insensitive, furthering stereotypes that geishas are sexually available only to those with sufficient funds. We reached out to Fashion Nova for comment regarding this particular dispute but have not received a reply as of yet.
Secret Crush on You, a Thai BL series, also falls into this problematic category with its eccentric humor and overly cutesy characters. The show centers around a school misfit with an obsessive crush on one of his campus jocks who decorates his room with surveillance photos, life-sized pillows, and boxes full of relationship mementos to express this affection for him.
Although this show strives to be funny, it often fails miserably. Naughty humor wears thin and amorous scenes become farcical rather than romantic. Still, watching the characters’ close friendships makes the show enjoyable in its early stages, and their chemistry is undeniable. Still, it becomes hard to enjoy a concert so short on plot with excessive fluff and meaningless romance thrown in for good measure. *Msg and data rates may apply – respond with HELP for assistance or cancel with STOP (see Terms & Privacy for details). *Msg and data rates may apply; please see Terms & Privacy for details.
La Flor
Selena’s most well-known song, “Como la Flor,” is her posthumous anthem and a symbol of Tejano culture. Commercial success came swiftly following this recording, cementing Selena as an international superstar in Latin pop music. Additionally, “Como la Flor” may have been one of her favorites because Selena put so much thought and emotion into making it. It remains one of her most treasured recordings, as Selena felt connected with its lyrics.
Selena mesmerized Houston’s Astrodome during her last performance before her untimely death in 1995 with her powerful vocals and seductive moves, leaving the crowd stunned and mesmerized. This performance became an iconic piece of Selena’s legacy – memorialized both on Netflix’s Selena show and in a 1997 movie of the same name.
Fashion Nova’s release of a purple jumpsuit that recalls the outfit worn by Quintanilla during her final concert is drawing controversy, as many view the “la flor” costume as a cultural appropriation of Quintanilla’s style.
This controversial costume was featured alongside others on an online retailer’s Instagram page, such as cowgirl outfits and scantily clad housemaid attire, prompting widespread backlash. Although they have yet to respond to Teen Vogue requests for comment or petitions urging them to discontinue selling the costumes due to allegations that they appropriate indigenous people’s styles, the retailer remains silent about whether these decisions constitute an appropriate use of indigenous people’s traditions.
