Shivan and Narresh, the renowned fashion designer duo, have found themselves at the center of a major controversy after hosting an outdoor fashion show in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, during the holy month of Ramzan. Following widespread criticism from political leaders, religious figures, and the public, the designers have issued a formal apology, expressing regret for any offense their event may have caused.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the designers clarified that their primary intention was to celebrate creativity and the unique ski and après-ski lifestyle of Gulmarg, rather than to hurt any religious sentiments. "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 après-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments," they wrote.
Acknowledging the strong backlash from various political figures and religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, they further emphasized their commitment to respecting cultural and religious traditions. "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 added.
The controversy erupted after a video of the fashion show, organized in collaboration with Elle India, went viral on social media. The footage showed models walking down a snow-covered ramp against the backdrop of Gulmarg’s picturesque mountains. Initially shared on Elle India’s Instagram Threads account, the video was later removed after mounting criticism. Many social media users and political leaders, particularly from Kashmir, condemned the event, calling it "obscene" and highly inappropriate, given that it took place during Ramzan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and devotion for Muslims worldwide.
The outrage reached the political sphere, with several Kashmiri politicians voicing their discontent. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office issued a statement acknowledging the “shock and anger” among the people and ordered a formal report on the matter within 24 hours to determine the next course of action.
During a session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the controversy took center stage, with members of the ruling National Conference (NC), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and Independent legislators demanding an immediate probe into how such an event was permitted during Ramzan. As the House assembled, protests erupted, with lawmakers criticizing the perceived disregard for religious sentiments.
In response, Omar Abdullah addressed the Assembly and distanced his government from the fashion show, stating that the authorities had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the event. "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 (the organizers) didn’t seek any permission from us. It was a private show organized at a hotel," he clarified.
Abdullah further stated that if any laws or regulations had been violated, the matter should be formally investigated, and the necessary legal action should be taken. "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 reiterated.
While many political leaders condemned the event, the opposition BJP took a different stance, criticizing the outrage from the NC, PDP, and religious clerics. BJP leaders dismissed the controversy as “unwarranted,” arguing that it was being unnecessarily politicized. They accused regional parties of selectively targeting a private event while ignoring other pressing issues in the region.
Despite Shivan and Narresh’s public apology, the debate surrounding the event continues to dominate public discourse. Many in Kashmir believe that organizing a fashion show during Ramzan was insensitive and disrespectful, while others argue that such events should not be politicized. Whether the controversy will die down or lead to further action remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a wider conversation about the intersection of culture, religion, and artistic expression in the region.
