What is the controversy behind FashionValet’s founders and why is the Malaysian firm under probe?
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND
Public attention on FashionValet’s alleged mismanagement could also be attributed to the founder’s social media presence, with blogger-turned-entrepreneur Ms Vivy having over 1.8 million followers on Instagram.
Ms Vivy, 36, was the creative director of FashionValet, while her husband was the chief executive officer. Both have resigned from their positions as of Nov 1.
A prominent figure in Malaysia’s fashion and business sector, Ms Vivy had starred in her reality television series – Love,Vivy – and authored the book “The First Decade: My Journey from Blogger to Entrepreneur” that was published in 2022.
She has also been awarded accolades, including a place on Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia list and Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asean@50 Achievement Awards in 2017.
As the downfall of her business venture spirals into a nationwide scandal, Ms Vivy’s lavish and luxurious lifestyle has come under the spotlight.
Social media posts of her luxury bag and shoe collection posted by Ms Vivy in the past under the hashtags “#crazybaglady” and “#eachofthemhasastory” – which have since been deleted – have gone viral on social media.
Some netizens have also volleyed criticisms against Ms Vivy for portraying a luxurious lifestyle despite her company not doing well.
“Vivy has SIX Dior saddle bags that cost RM19,000 each, at least SIX Lady Dior handbags that cost between RM28,000 to RM30,000 each … For Hermes (bags), she has one Hermes Constance worth RM60,000 and TWO Herbag, worth US$3,050 each,” a netizen with the username @frhhh8989 posted on X on Nov 3, with the post garnering over 7,900 reposts and 15,000 likes as of Nov 8.
The public figure is however not new to controversies in Malaysia.
A 2021 research paper by linguistics lecturers at the International Islamic University of Malaysia analysing Ms Vivy’s use of “humblebragging language” has also circulated on social media.
And in 2018, local media had reported that Ms Vivy came under fire for a post on her Instagram story regarding the use of counterfeit dUCK prayer garments or telekung used by Muslims.
“We wear scarves for religion, be a good Muslim and don’t support fake ripoff products, I cannot brain (imagine) how people can even buy fake telekung to pray also,” she posted, along with a picture showing counterfeit products of her luxury lifestyle brand dUCK.
Ms Vivy has clarified her stance, stating that she was not criticising those who use cheap products for prayers, but rather she was opposing those who support counterfeit products.
But aside from the controversy, Ms Vivy had also done a number of notable charity efforts to help frontliners and the less privileged.
In 2020, her crowdfunding initiative – FV COVID19 Support Fund for medical frontliners combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia – raised RM1.14 million.
