Ali Xeeshan Responds to the Ongoing Criticism on his ‘anti-dowry’ Bridal Campaign

One of the top Pakistani fashion designers Ali Xeeshan came under criticism for his recent anti-dowry’ bridal campaign.

Ali Xeeshan’s latest collection ‘Numaish,’ which debuted at the Hum Bridal Couture Week 2021 took the internet by storm.

The campaign was launched in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan aimed at highlight the dowery culture prevailing in our society.

 

However, the cause met with harsh criticism from social media users and it was termed as hypocrisy pointing at the sky-high price of Ali Xeeshan’s designed dresses.

 

After having met with the backlash, Xeeshan in a recent interview with a news source said: “When I was developing it [the campaign], I was only looking into girls’ struggle but later I realized that dowry pressurizes the parents more.”

“I remember last year a client’s wedding was called off because one of the demands from the groom’s side was to have a gold-plated shaving kit,” the designer shared.

 “Many people say that you make expensive outfits, then why are you talking about this? These two are very different things – that [designing outfits] is my business and no one is compelled [to buy them]. If you can afford my clothes please be my guests and if you can’t then don’t put yourself under the pressure,” he continued.

Ali Xeeshan concluded by saying, “Agar meray say koi poochay keh mere kapray khareeday ya beti ko education de, toh beti ko education day dein. Mein kapray baich loon ga, (If someone asks me whether they should buy my clothes or educate their daughter then I would ask them to provide the education. I will manage to sell my clothes.)”