Taylor Swift makes change to merchandise following folklore logo controversy
Taylor Swift dropped her new album folklore last Friday as well as a range of merchandise, but an online fashion retailer spotted a similarity between their logos
Taylor Swift’s surprise eighth album folklore was released on July 24 and has been a massive hit with fans, breaking numerous records in the space of a few days.
As well as 16 new songs (17 if you got the deluxe version), the superstar also released a range of merchandise to accompany folklore – including the cardigan from her latest music video.
But before fans had even placed their orders, the 30-year-old and her team had to make a change to the designs.
The logo on the merchandise was the subject of a complaint by black-owned fashion retailer The Folklore.
Amira Rasool, the founder of the business, pointed out similarities between her website’s logo and the one featured on Swift’s merch.
In a post on Instagram on July 24, Rasool said: “This morning, it came to my attention that musician #TaylorSwift is selling merchandise to go along with her new album Folklore . She is currently selling merchandise with the words ‘The Folklore’ printed on them.
“Based on the similarities of the design, I believe the designer of the merch ripped off my company’s logo. I am sharing my story to bring light to the trend of large companies/celebrities copying the work of small, minority-owned business owners.
“I am not going to let this blatant theft go unchecked.”
Thousands liked the post and shared support for The Folklore, which sells clothing by African fashion designers.
Swift, who has always been an advocate of women’s rights, was quick to act following the controversy.
In a statement shared with Good Morning America on July 28, a spokesperson for the singer’s team, said: “Yesterday, we were made aware of a complaint that the specific use of the word the before folklore album on some of the Folklore album merchandise was of concern. Absolutely no merchandise using the before the words folklore album has been manufactured or sent out.
“In good faith, we honored her request and immediately notified everyone who had ordered merchandise with the word the preceding folklore album that they will now receive their order with the design change.”
Rasool commended Swift’s team for doing this.
Speaking to InStyle, she said: “My lawyer, Eric Ball at Fenwick & West, has been in contact with Taylor’s manager, Jay Schaudies, since mid-day yesterday after they received our letter expressing concern over the merchandise on Taylor’s website.
“Taylor’s team took swift action to have the removed from all merchandise. I commend her team for recognizing the damage it caused to our brand. I recognize that Taylor has been a strong advocate for women protecting their creative rights, so it was good to see her team is on the same page.
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