Indian designer duo Shivan & Narresh have made a public apology after their Kashmir fashion show in Gulmarg was criticized for taking place during the holy month of Ramzan. The show, featuring skiwear and swimwear collections, had kicked up a controversy, with people criticizing it as insensitive to local religious feelings.
The event, which took place on March 7, was the 15th anniversary of the fashion brand and saw the designer draw inspiration from art prints in the brand’s archives for the outfits. The collection consisted of sculptural ski suits, show-stopping ski separates, and après-ski dresses for both men and women. Yet, videos and photographs of the event went viral, and people on social media expressed outrage at the timing and appropriateness of the Kashmir fashion show in an area with a high percentage of Muslims fasting during Ramadan.
Online Backlash and Deletion of Event Coverage
A clip from the event, which was first uploaded by Elle India, was widely criticized and subsequently removed. Elle had called the event a bold fashion statement in which they “Designer duo Shivan and Narresh took audacious fashion to newer heights (quite literally) by staging a show in the frozen alleys of Gulmarg, Kashmir today.” But after facing extreme criticism, the update was deleted.
The row grew wider as netizens criticized the organizers and designers of being insensitive to local cultural and religious sensitivities. The event, where participants wore revealing dresses in a conservative area, only added to criticism.
Designers Issue Apology
Apologizing to the backlash, Shivan & Narresh announced X (formerly Twitter), regretting any unintentional offense. They stated, “We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski and après-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments.”
The pair also vowed to be more sensitive in the future, adding, “Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful.”
Official Inquiry Ordered
The controversy also elicited criticism from the previous Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who criticized the event as an act of “complete disregard for local sensitivities during the holy month.” Abdullah has demanded a formal investigation and requested a full report on the incident.
As the controversy rages on, the event has once more ignited debates on cultural sensitivity during fashion shows, especially where religious beliefs are very strong. The designers have promised to be more cautious during future presentations so as not to experience such a clash.