It was a perfect setting for a fashion show with the backdrop of snowy slopes of the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. However, tittle did the apparently unsuspecting organisers, award-winning designer label Shivan & Narresh, showcasing their new holiday and skiwear to mark the 15th anniversary of the label, realise that it will stir a political storm amid Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for the Muslims.
The fashion show, held last Friday (March 7), rocked the Jammu & Kashmir assembly on Monday after its videos went viral on social media, embarrassing the Omar Abdullah led National Conference (NC) government.
Facing widespread backlash from political, religious and social outfits, including his own party, for the ‘obscene’ outfits showcased at the event, in utter disregard of the sanctity of Ramadan, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the event and promised appropriate action.
“The shock and anger are totally understandable. The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities & that too during this holy month,” he said on X.
“My office has been in touch with the local authorities, and I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report.”
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In a statement posted on X, Shivan & Narresh have issued a public apology.
“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,” it said.
“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.”
About Ramadan (ongoing from March 1 to 31)
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Quran and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people & children, are exempt from fasting.
About the label (on its LinkedIn account)
SHIVAN & NARRESH
Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry
SHIVAN & NARRESH is India’s first luxury holiday brand that was launched in Cannes. Based out of New Delhi, SHIVAN & NARRESH is the first Indian brand to showcase at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 in Miami and also to participate in the Swimwear Association of Florida’s Swim Show 2012. The brand has been worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Dita Von Teese, Nicki Minaj, Padma Lakshmi, Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and a host of other celebrities. The Lycra Sari and the Bikini Sari are two landmark creations of the brand that epitomize the brand’s visions for swimsuits in India.
The brand has its flagship store in DLF Emporio, New Delhi & retails out of select multi-designer boutiques including Aza (Delhi), Aza and Le Mill (Mumbai), Evoluzione (Bangalore), Ogaan (Hyderabad), 85 Lansdowne (Kolkata), Amethyst Cafe and Evoluzione (Chennai), Ajiliyaa (Surat).
