Bareeze Under Fire For Launching Muharram Fashion Collection

Another attempt to monetize a sacred religious event for capitalist gain?

bareeze-muharram-collection

What is it with fashion brands and their constant need to monetize and exploit everything to sell their product? Recently, popular Pakistani fashion designer brand Bareeze came under fire for promoting a new collection for the month of Muharram.

It seems like nothing is off limits for companies these days, not even sacred religious occasions.

The month of Muharram holds great significance for Muslims all around the world. Unlike Eid, this is not the time for festivities and celebrations but a time devoted for grief and self-reflection over a historical event in Islamic history.


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It is a very spiritual and somber occasion that is intensely commemorated by Shia communities in particular. Usually, people dress in all-black outfits for the occasion. Fashion brand Bareeze decided to ‘use’ this as an excuse to promote their all-black collection for women.

https://twitter.com/MushtaqErum/status/1297658567537958913?s=20

This is why, people have raised concerns about fashion brands like Bareeze ‘profiting’ off sacred religious events – promoting Muharram centric sales for their latest clothing line.

To be fair, this isn’t anything new. Other popular brands like Maria B. and Khaadi attempted to do the same thing in the past. However, other fashion houses were careful not to label it as Muharram collection. They settled for generic-sounding alternatives instead, and one that couldn’t be linked to a somber religious event.

It has become a common trend to shamelessly exploit occasions like Muharram and Ramadan for capitalistic gains. Of course, we shouldn’t be that surprised as only a few months ago, these same fashion brands were promoting their own line of face masks ranging from stylish to “more protective from COVID-19.” An argument can be made that marriages are a festive occasion and people can enjoy themselves. But Muharram?

When will people learn? Or has this become a norm for our society? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


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