Designers apologise following uproar
Luxury fashion brand Shivan & Narresh has issued a formal apology after its fashion show in Gulmarg triggered widespread outrage for allegedly disrespecting religious sentiments during the holy month of Ramadan.
The designers, known for their resort and ski-wear collections, faced strong criticism from religious leaders, politicians and locals after images and videos of models in revealing outfits went viral.
In a statement, the brand expressed regret over the incident, saying, “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 apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful.”
Despite the apology, the controversy has continued to escalate, with several political and religious figures demanding accountability.
The fashion show, which was organised to mark Shivan & Narresh’s 15th anniversary in the industry, was meant to showcase their latest ski-wear collection, featuring sculptural ski suits, après-ski dresses and art prints from their archives. However, the backlash has reignited debates over the balance between artistic expression, commercial tourism, and local cultural sensitivities in Kashmir.
