Designer duo Shivan & Narresh have issued an apology after facing backlash for their controversial fashion show in Gulmarg last week. The event, held on March 7 to mark the 15th anniversary of their label, sparked outrage for being organized during the holy month of Ramzan.
Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the event in a post on X, calling it “outrageous.” His remarks gained traction, prompting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take cognizance of the matter. Abdullah has ordered an inquiry into the incident, which also led to heated protests in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday.
Following the criticism, the designers issued a public apology on their official X handle:
“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 & après-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments. Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologize for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community.”
Farooq, in his statement, urged authorities to take immediate action: “Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organized in #Gulmarg, sparking shock and anger among people. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in #Kashmir!”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to Farooq’s post, calling the anger and shock “totally understandable.” He expressed dismay at the disregard for local sentiments and religious sensitivities, particularly during Ramzan. “The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities and that too during this holy month. My office has been in touch with local authorities, and I have asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” Abdullah stated on X.
The controversy also triggered a strong reaction from social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who accused the organizers of attempting to “demolish the moral, religious, and ethical values of Kashmir.” Many social media users also condemned the event, questioning how such a show was allowed to take place.
In the Assembly, Abdullah assured lawmakers that the government had no involvement in the event. “Those who organized the fashion show have not applied their mind, showed disregard for public sentiment, and paid no attention to where they were organizing it and its timing. Some people are saying that such a show should not have happened in the month of Ramzan. After what I have seen, I am of the opinion that it should not have taken place any time of the year,” he said.
He further clarified that the government did not grant permission for the show and would not have allowed such an event if approached. “If the law has been violated, strict action will be taken,” he assured.
While some users appreciated the designers’ apology, the controversy continues to stir debate on the intersection of modern fashion, religious sentiments, and cultural values in Kashmir.
