Uniqlo’s Local Food Tees Spark Debate Over Similarity to Singapore Brand Musoka Club

On May 23, 2025, global fashion giant Uniqlo launched its anticipated UTme! Local Delights Collection, celebrating iconic Singaporean dishes such as kaya toast, chilli crab, chicken rice, laksa, and bak kut teh. However, the collection quickly sparked controversy, drawing immediate attention for bearing striking similarities to designs from local indie label Musoka Club.

The Buzz Around the Similarities

The debate started when online commenters and followers of Musoka Club noticed that Uniqlo’s newly released designs closely resembled Musoka Club’s popular Dress Code: Kopitiam Series, first launched in July 2023. Both collections showcase beloved Singaporean foods illustrated centrally, accompanied by descriptive arrows and vintage-inspired typography.

Social media users initially speculated a potential collaboration, given the remarkable likeness between the two collections. However, Musoka Club founder, Ms Elaine, publicly clarified that no collaboration had taken place, expressing concerns over the designs being "too similar."

Online commenters noted:

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but copying without credit is not – please respect original work”

Breaking Down the Similarities

Key similarities highlighted between Uniqlo's and Musoka Club’s designs include:

• Central illustration placement featuring prominent Singaporean dishes.

• Similar retro-style typography and aesthetic.

• Use of descriptive arrows pointing out ingredients and distinctive details.

Additionally, one of Uniqlo’s contributing artists, Kenneth Seow, was found to be an Instagram follower of Musoka Club, intensifying speculation about the originality of Uniqlo’s creative process.

Uniqlo's Response to the Controversy

In response to the growing discussion, Uniqlo Singapore issued a statement acknowledging public feedback and emphasizing their collection’s intent was purely celebratory. They highlighted their history of collaborating with local artists and brands, pointing to similar prior initiatives in 2017 and 2020.

Ethical and Creative Implications

The situation underscores significant issues regarding originality, respect for creative intellectual property, and ethical considerations, particularly when global brands interact with smaller local entities:

• Local Identity: Small local brands risk losing their unique cultural narratives when overshadowed by global corporations.

• Consumer Confusion: The similarities caused many customers to mistakenly assume an official collaboration, potentially diluting Musoka Club’s brand identity.

• Pricing Pressure: Uniqlo’s lower price point (S$29.90 vs. Musoka Club’s S$59) raises concerns about economic fairness and competitive integrity in local creative markets.

Best Practices to Maintain Fairness and Originality

Brands can navigate such scenarios ethically by:

• Explicitly giving credit or partnering with original local creators.

• Clearly differentiating inspired collections to prevent consumer confusion.

• Promoting transparency and acknowledgment on social media and promotional materials.

Best Practices for Brands & Designers

• Give credit, collaborate if feasible: Rather than mimic, offer partnerships with local creatives.

• Differentiate visuals clearly: Change layout, typography, or illustration style to avoid overlap.

• Flag on social media: Use terms like “inspired by” to signal homage, not duplication.

• Respect original identity: Big brands should ensure smaller creators aren’t overshadowed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Did Musoka Club formally accuse Uniqlo of copyright infringement?
A: No formal accusations were made; however, Musoka Club’s founder expressed clear concerns about the designs being significantly similar.

Q: Which design elements specifically were similar?
A: Central food illustrations, retro typography, and stylized arrows were key points of visual similarity.

Q: How did Uniqlo address these concerns?
A: Uniqlo recognized the conversation, reiterated their intention to celebrate local heritage, and highlighted past collaborations with local artists.

Join the Conversation

This incident opens an important dialogue about creative integrity and respect between global and local brands. Do you feel this was a harmless inspiration or an unfair imitation? Share your thoughts below and subscribe for more updates on design ethics, brand interactions, and cultural preservation.