Gulmarg Fashion Show Sparks Controversy: Court Issues Notices to Designers & ELLE India Chief
The Gulmarg Fashion Show has become the center of controversy after being held on March 7, 2025, during the holy month of Ramadan. Organized by renowned designers Shivan and Narresh in collaboration with ELLE India, the event showcased models in modern, minimalistic outfits against the scenic snowy backdrop of Gulmarg. However, the show’s timing and nature led to strong criticism from the public, religious groups, and political leaders.
Following the backlash, a legal case was filed against the organizers of the Gulmarg Fashion Show, accusing them of promoting obscenity and disrespecting religious sentiments. Adil Nazir Khan, a leader of the Awami Ittehad Party, lodged a complaint, alleging that the event not only violated cultural norms but also featured public consumption of alcohol, further intensifying the outrage. In response, the Court of Special Mobile Magistrate in Srinagar issued notices to designers Shivan and Narresh and ELLE India’s Editor-in-Chief on March 11, 2025.
The Gulmarg Fashion Show quickly gained traction on social media, with videos and images circulating widely. Many criticized the event for being insensitive to the religious sentiments of the local Muslim population. Given that Ramadan is a sacred time of fasting and prayer, the display of revealing fashion in a region with deep-rooted Islamic traditions was perceived as a deliberate disregard for local customs. In reaction to the controversy, ELLE India promptly removed all content related to the event from its online platforms.
Despite the criticism, supporters of the Gulmarg Fashion Show argued that fashion is an art form and should be viewed beyond religious and cultural constraints. They believe that Kashmir, with its breathtaking landscapes, has the potential to be a global fashion destination. However, even those who support fashion as a form of artistic expression acknowledge that the event’s timing could have been more thoughtfully planned to avoid offending local communities.
As the legal battle surrounding the Gulmarg Fashion Show unfolds, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has weighed in on the matter. He condemned the event, calling it a failure to respect local sensitivities and religious traditions. In response to public pressure, he has ordered an official inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fashion show, including how it received approval in the first place.
The designers behind the Gulmarg Fashion Show, Shivan and Narresh, have since issued an official statement apologizing for any unintended offense. They emphasized that their intention was to celebrate artistic creativity in a unique location and that they had no desire to disrespect religious beliefs. However, their apology has done little to calm the growing outrage, with many demanding stricter regulations to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
With the next court hearing scheduled for April 8, 2025, the Gulmarg Fashion Show continues to be a topic of heated debate. This controversy highlights the broader discussion on the balance between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity. While the fashion industry seeks to push creative boundaries, events like this demonstrate the importance of understanding and respecting the traditions of the regions they operate in.
The Gulmarg Fashion Show serves as a reminder that fashion is not just about style—it is deeply intertwined with culture, tradition, and public perception. Whether this event will lead to stricter regulations on fashion events in conservative regions or spark a broader conversation about modern artistic expression remains to be seen.
The Gulmarg Fashion Show has also raised questions about the role of global fashion brands in culturally sensitive regions. Many argue that international designers must engage with local communities before hosting such events. As the legal proceedings continue, the fashion world watches closely to see how this controversy will shape future industry practices in Kashmir.
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