‘We deeply regret any hurt’: Designers Shivan & Narresh apologise for Gulmarg fashion show row | India News

Designers Shivan & Narresh apologise for Gulmarg fashion show row

NEW DELHI: A fashion show held in Gulmarg through the holy month of Ramzan has sparked outrage in Jammu and Kashmir, with designers Shivan & Narresh dealing with criticism for displaying “obscene” clothes. As the controversy grew, the designer duo issued an apology, saying they deeply regretted any damage brought on by their presentation.
The Delhi-based designers, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, showcased their skiwear assortment on Friday, March 7 to mark the fifteenth anniversary of their label. However, the occasion drew sharp criticism from spiritual and political leaders, with many calling it insensitive given the timing and site.
Following the backlash, Shivan & Narresh posted an apology, saying their intention was to rejoice creativity, not damage folks’s sentiments. They shared the apology on their official X web page, stating:
“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 & apres-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.”

Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was among the many first to criticise the occasion, calling it “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,” he posted on X.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah additionally took be aware of the matter and ordered an inquiry.
“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 and I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” he wrote on X.
Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat additionally condemned the occasion, questioning how such a show was allowed within the first place.
“Who allowed this nude fashion show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan? Semi-nude men and women walking on snow. Will the Tourism Department, CEO GDA throw some light? Why are you hell-bent on demolishing our moral, ethical, cultural and religious values?” he posted on X.

The controversy reached the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday, the place the opposition BJP accused Omar Abdullah of getting prior information of the occasion. BJP MLA Sunil Sharma alleged that the venue was a resort owned by Abdullah’s family and questioned how he may declare ignorance.
“Omar Abdullah lies both inside the Assembly and outside. How is it possible that such a big function was happening in a hotel owned by your relatives, and you had no idea? You must have organised this programme yourself. Now, since people have raised this issue, you are claiming an inquiry will be conducted. He should accept the truth instead of lying,” Sharma stated.
He additional identified that the excise division had issued a short-term licence for the occasion, implying that authorities have been conscious of it prematurely.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti additionally condemned the occasion, calling it “deplorable” and an assault on Kashmiri values. “It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values. The government cannot absolve itself of responsibility by labelling this a private affair,” she stated.

In response, Omar Abdullah insisted that the federal government had no function within the occasion.
“Some people are saying that such a show should not have happened in the month of Ramzan. After what I have seen, I am of the opinion that it should not have taken place any time of the year,” he stated within the Assembly.
He additionally clarified that no permission was sought from the federal government and that had it been, approval wouldn’t have been granted. “It was a private event, organised in a private hotel. No government money was involved, and no government official was present. However, if the inquiry finds any violation of law, strict action will be taken,” he added.