DESIGN INSPIRATION: Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee posted an Instagram photo of former reality TV personality Laura Govan wearing a pearl-strewn dress that he designed, which some considered paying homage to the Schiaparelli gown that Kim Kardashian wore to last week’s Met Gala. Coetzee has no plans to pursue legal motion, and said he posted the image to call attention to his existing design.

The South African designer said, ”While there could also be similarities between the designs, I think that fashion is an ever-evolving industry, where inspiration might be drawn from various sources. It’s not unusual for designers to be influenced by one another’s work. I prefer to give attention to my very own creative process and the expansion of my brand.”

A representative for the French designer house and its creative lead Daniel Roseberry didn’t acknowledge requests for comment Tuesday.

Kardashian’s design was labor-intensive to say the least. Schiaparrelli highlighted in its night-of publicity blitz that the garment’s draped skirt and top were made with 50,000-plus freshwater pearls and greater than 16,000 crystals. It also featured a molded corset in blush-colored satin, with a bone whitewashed faille stole. The Skims founder’s choker, pearl drop earrings and ring were made with crystals and unique baroque pearls. 
 
The “Keeping Up With the Kardashian” star’s frock required greater than 1,000 hours of labor by 12 artisans to create. Each strand of pearls needed to be strung and draped to her body.

Admirers of Coetzee’s pearl creation can find the signature piece for his brand upon request. The body-baring design will set them back $5,000. Each dress is “meticulously crafted based on the shopper’s preferences — custom color schemes, textures and embellishments like pearls, crystals and beads,” said Coetzee, citing the instance of how Grammy-winning artist Cardi B once requested a version in chocolate brown to match a Lamborghini that she had given to her husband Offset for his twenty ninth birthday in 2020.

Coetzee said that by sharing the looks on his Instagram page, his intention was to focus on that “this design has been an element of my repertoire for quite a while.”

The designer said he has received ”quite a few messages” from fans inquiring concerning the situation, “and it’s heartening to see their dedication. I didn’t specifically mention any names or events, but our loyal following recognized the similarity themselves. I appreciate their support and enthusiasm for the brand,” Coetzee said. ”Moving forward, I’ll proceed creating unique and fascinating designs for our dedicated followers and clients.”

The designer is on to other things, having recently suited up one other celebrity — Chloe Bailey — for “The Little Mermaid” world premiere red carpet.