Jammu and Kashmir’s relationship with India is already a highly sensitive matter; however, a recent fashion show held in Gulmarg has sparked significant controversy.
The fashion show, organised by designer duo Shivan and Narresh, was intended to celebrate their 15 years in the industry. However, a video of the show began to circulate and eventually drew sharp criticism from several individuals, including politicians, for the manner in which the show was presented and its timing.
What Is the Gulmarg Fashion Show Controversy?
On 7 March, designer duo Shivan and Narresh hosted a fashion show at a ski resort in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, to mark fifteen years in the business. The show was held in the snow, with the models presenting several of the duo’s skiwear featuring art prints that had hitherto been kept in the brand’s archives.
There were also “sculptural ski suits, statement ski separates, fluid après-ski dresses, and winter layers for women and men,” according to reports. The controversy began after a 35-second Instagram video by fashion magazine Elle India went viral.
In their now-deleted post, Elle India wrote, “Designer duo Shivan and Narresh took audacious fashion to newer heights (quite literally) by staging a show in the frozen alleys of Gulmarg, Kashmir today. Celebrating their 15th anniversary, the famed maximalists brought out their classics – the bikinis and capes, obviously, but also added some winter magic doused in eclectic prints and 3D ornamentation.”
Fashion designer Shivan & Narresh held a fashion show @Gulmarg. They displaced skiwear collection. This caused controversy where it’s been alleged that local sensitivities in the month of Ramadan wasn’t considered. Religious leaders,clerics slammed the ‘obscenity’ #gulmarg pic.twitter.com/VJLyRxzBQw
— Preeti Sompura (@sompura_preeti) March 9, 2025
There was soon a huge outrage against the fashion show since it featured models walking semi-nude or with heavily exposed body parts, and the fact that it was held during the holy month of Ramadan only added fuel to the fire.
During the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the ruling National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), along with two independents, demanded to know how the event was held and whether proper permissions had been acquired, especially during this sacred period.
Chief Minister Abdullah has now reportedly ordered a report to be submitted within 24 hours to inquire if any laws were violated, with appropriate action to be taken if just cause is found.
During the assembly, the Chief Minister stated, “The private event which took place in Gulmarg hurt the sentiments of the 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. The organisers didn’t seek any permission from us. It was a private show organised at a hotel.”
“If rules have been violated, the matter should be handed over to the police. However, I want to make it clear that my government has no involvement.”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also quickly condemned the show, stating: “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, and I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report.”
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Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also critiqued it, writing in an X/Twitter post “Outrageous. That in the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg, pictures & 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!”
J&K People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone also spoke out against the show in an X/Twitter post writing “I consider myself to be a person of liberal orientation, and believe in dignified and mutually respectful coexistence. But this was not the best time to host such an event,” further claiming that it was “an eminently avoidable event in the holy month of Ramadan.
The clips, although deleted from official channels, soon went viral on social media, and several Kashmiris took offense to them. Their major gripe was that this was against the culture of Kashmir, which is a Muslim majority region, and given the timing of it being held during the month of Ramadan, it was deeply hurtful.
Some also commented on how these shows have nudity and alcohol, both things that are forbidden in the Islamic religion.
While many were not happy with this fashion show and condemned it, some also questioned the outrage or felt that there was nothing wrong with the show.
On 9 March 2025, the designer duo offered an official apology, claiming that there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments.
In a post on X/Twitter, they wrote: “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.
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.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Hindustan Times, Mint, The Indian Express
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: fashion show kashmir, gulmarg fashion show, fashion show, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar AbdullahMirwaiz, Omar AbdullahMirwaiz, Umar Farooq, Ramzan, Shivan & Narresh, Shivan & Narresh designer, Shivan & Narresh fashion show, Shivan & Narresh fashion show kashmir, Shivan & Narresh controversy, Kashmir
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