Gulmarg Fashion Show Triggers Political Uproar; Know The Reason

Srinagar: It was a fashion show, but not one you get to see very often.

Fashion designer duo Shivan and Narresh decided to mark the 15th anniversary of their brand with a show at the ski resort of Gulmarg, with spectacular snow-clad slopes as the backdrop.

Held under the open sky last weekend, the ‘Shivan and Narresh’ show saw models sauntering flaunting outfits designed by them.

But the Gulmarg fashion show didn’t go down well with religious leaders and even politicians, who were appalled to see models openly showcasing ‘obscene’ outfits during the holy month of Ramzan.

Hurriyat Conference chief and Kashmir’s head priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq found the show ‘outrageous’.

“Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg, pictures and videos from which have gone viral sparking shock and anger among people. How could it be tolerated in the valley known for its sufi, saint culture and the deeply religious outlook of its people? Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir!” he wrote on X.

CM Omar Abdullah reacts

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was just as angered, and sought a report within 24 hours.

“The shock and anger are totally understandable. 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 the local authorities & I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” Omar responded.

The fashion show reached the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly as well.

MLAs of National Conference and other parties, including Independents, raised the fashion show issue and said it hurt sentiments during Ramzan.

Legal notice issued

An advocate issued a legal notice to the commissioner, secretary of Tourism, and submitted a copy to the Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir, requesting it be considered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

He demanded action against officials and participants for allegedly organizing a ‘nude fashion show’ in Gulmarg.

The CM said that his government would never have given permission to conduct such an event in any month or time of the year.

“We have already ordered an inquiry into it, but preliminary facts revealed that it was a private four-day event organised by a private party in a private hotel. The fashion show was held on March 7, and certain things have come to the fore, which hurt the sentiments of the people who are not wrong,” Omar said in the Assembly.

Apology from designer duo

‘Shivan and Narresh’ apologised for offending any religious sentiments and said that their sole intention was to celebrate creativity.

“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. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful,” they posted on X.