Luxury fashion designers Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, the creative duo behind the brand Shivan & Narresh, have found themselves at the centre of a controversy following their recent fashion show in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The event, which took place on March 7 as part of their label’s 15th anniversary celebrations, was met with widespread criticism for being held during the holy month of Ramzan and featuring what some deemed inappropriate attire.
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The backlash intensified after Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the show on social media, calling it “outrageous” and an affront to the region’s cultural and religious values. His statement ignited further public outrage, drawing reactions from political leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Designers respond to criticism
Following the uproar, Shivan & Narresh issued a formal apology on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, acknowledging the concerns raised and expressing regret for any unintended offense.
“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 apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful,” the statement read.
“There was no govt involvement”: J-K CM Omar Abdullah on Gulmarg fashion show
Despite their apology, public outrage continued, with political and religious leaders calling for accountability. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to Farooq’s criticism, stating that the anger and frustration expressed by the people were entirely justified. He further confirmed that an official investigation had been launched to determine whether the event violated any regulations.
Public outcry and government response
The controversy also sparked heated discussions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, with some lawmakers questioning how such an event was permitted during Ramzan. Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat called the show an affront to Kashmir’s moral, religious, and ethical values, while several social media users labelled it a tone-deaf display of extravagance at a time meant for prayer and reflection.
In response, Abdullah clarified that the government had no involvement in approving the event and stated that even if permission had been sought, it would not have been granted. He assured that strict measures would be taken if any rules were found to have been violated.
What’s next?
While the controversy continues to fuel debates on fashion, culture, and religious sensitivities, some social media users have acknowledged the designers’ apology, hoping the incident serves as a lesson in respecting local sentiments. However, the larger discussion surrounding fashion’s intersection with cultural boundaries remains far from over.
