Why the Gulmarg Fashion Show Stirred Political and Religious Controversy

The controversy that is currently raging has been fueled by a prestigious fashion show held in Gulmarg and the Shivan & Narresh designs that have always been considered edgy. What was supposed to be a celebration for luxury fashion brand Shivan & Narresh on completing15 years in the industry has turned into a political and religious riot with one side claiming obscenity, disrespect to Kashmiri culture along with being insensitive during Ramadan.

Learn about the event that caused the entire Kashmir to go on fire.

On March 7, 2025 designer duo Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja held a lavish fashion show at a deluxe ski resort in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. The event featured highfashion skiwear, post ski dresses, and winter fashion with the breathtaking snowy Himalayas in the background.

What was supposed to be a glamorous affair, quickly escalated into chaos for the designers. Videos and pictures from the show went viral, and people not only had an issue with the timing, which was Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, but also with the content which were bold body hugging outfits for a region that is known for being conservative and traditional.

Clerics and politicians lash out in no time.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s head cleric, spearheaded the ire as he denounced the show as, “Outrageous and completely unacceptable.” He lambasted the event for what he termed an assault on the spiritual and cultural heart of Kashmir, asking how such a programme could be permitted in the domain of saints and Sufi’s.

Omar Abdulla, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was equally irritated. Describing the images emanating from the show as “completely insensitive and tone deaf,” he directed the concerned officials to submit a report within twenty-four hours and promised that if any norms had been transgressed, action would follow.

Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat was even more blunt, “Who permitted this Nude Fashion Show at Gulmarg during the Holy Ramzan? Men & Women Semi Nude Walking on Snow. Will CEO GDA and Tourism Deptt care to respond? Are you determined to uproot our Moral, Ethical, Cultural & Religious values?

Did Omar Abdullah know this all along? As the controversy deepened, the political rivals jumped into the fray. BJP leader Sunil Sharma accused CM Omar Abdullah of being a coy innocent saying that the venue was owned by his relatives and wondering how he was pretending to be oblivious about what was going on in his own backyard.

Omar Abdullah has been alleged to fib, not only outside the Assembly House, but also internally. How can that be? You were completely oblivious to the fact that your relatives' hotel was being utilized for such a grand function? I believe that you might be the one who pitched this program,” quipped Sunil. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti did not hold back in his critiques, lamenting how this event is a marker of the decay of Kashmiri values. She warned that if any more permits like that are allowed to be granted, then the remaining morals, culture, and identity of Kashmir would cease to exist. Shivan and Narresh finally lifted the curtain of silence after coming under fire. The pair attempted to clarify the set of comments they had made and expressed remorse for any unintended offense while restating that their intent was primarily to honor creativity and the skiing lifestyle.

They stated, “We apologize for any perceived offense from our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. We care for and esteem all concerns that have been raised. We apologize for any perceived wrongs and are thankful for suggestions from our community.”

But for many, the damage was already done. Omar Abdullah is facing a great deal of political and public discomfort and has instigated an official inquiry. Even though he claimed the occasion was personal and had no governmental sponsorship, he promised prompt consequences for breaches of protocol.

These two gentlemen, Shivan and Narresh: Who are they?

In case you haven't heard, Shivan & Narresh are distinguished as some of the best luxury fashion designers in the Indian subcontinent. They were the first to launch a luxury swimwear line in India and have styled international superstars, including Kim Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra, and Sonam Kapoor. Although their claim to fame lies in statement resort wear, this time their audacious designs got them into trouble.

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