Designers Apologize for Gulmarg Fashion Show Amid Ramzan Backlash

The fashion designers Shivan and Narresh have expressed regret for arranging the event, which caused a great deal of controversy. The event took place in the well-known ski town of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadan. The designers stated that their only goal was to honor creativity and that they sincerely apologized for any hurt caused by the show taking place during Ramadan.

"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 and aprs-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments," the designers wrote on X on Sunday.

The designers said they acknowledged the concerns raised by political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir and said that "respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart".

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"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," they said.

ABOUT THE CONTROVERSY OVER GULMARG FASHION SHOW

Models were seen descending the snow-covered runway in a video that went viral at the Elle India fashion show, which was hosted by the fashion designers Shivan and Narresh. Elle uploaded the video to its Instagram Threads account, but it was removed after the outcry. Social media users and a number of Kashmiri political figures called the event "obscene" because it happened during the holy month of Ramadan.

While acknowledging that the "shock and anger" were reasonable, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's office mandated that a report be submitted within 24 hours, after which appropriate action would be taken. The fashion display in Gulmarg caused mayhem in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly earlier today. Abdullah and other MPs denounced the "obscene" event, claiming it offended religious feelings. Members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling National Conference (NC), and two Independents stood up during the day's House assembly to bring up the problem and urge an investigation into how such an event could occur during the daylong Ramzan fasts. The Chief Minister stated in his speech that an investigation into the situation had already been ordered by his government.

"The private event which took place in Gulmarg hurt the sentiments of people. Such events shouldn't happen at any time of the year. I want to set the record straight, the government has nothing to do with the fashion show. They (organisers) didn't seek any permission from us. It was a private show organised at a hotel," he said.

"If rules have been violated, the matter should be handed over to the police. But I want to make it clear that my government has no involvement," he added.

However, the opposition BJP claimed that the "outrage was unwarranted" and attacked the NC, PDP, and clerics for igniting the controversy around the fashion event.