The event, held on March 7 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their label, showcased skiwear collections that many deemed “obscene” and insensitive to local religious sentiments, especially during the holy month of Ramzan.
The controversy escalated when images and videos from the show circulated online, prompting Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to express his outrage. He described the event as “outrageous” and highlighted that such displays are intolerable in a region known for its Sufi culture and deep religious roots.
Farooq emphasized that those involved should be held accountable, stating that “such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir.” In response to the public outcry, Shivan and Narresh expressed deep regret for any offense caused. They acknowledged the oversight in not considering the local cultural and religious context and apologized for any hurt their event may have caused.The designers’ official website describes their brand as India’s first luxury holiday label, offering a range of holiday wear for both women and men, including swim, resort, cruise, safari, and ski collections.
This incident underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in fashion, especially when showcasing collections in regions with distinct cultural and religious identities.
It serves as a reminder for designers and brands to be mindful of local sentiments to avoid unintentional offense.