Luxury Meets Controversy: London Fashion Designer's Apologetic Twist on the Saudi-flag Miniskirt Outrage
London fashion designer apologizes for Saudi-flag miniskirt controversy in Spring 2024 collection, sparking online backlash Nigerian designer Mowalola Ogunlesi expresses regret and takes responsibility for the offense caused at London Fashion Week
London-based Nigerian fashion designer Mowalola Ogunlesi has issued an apology for facing online backlash over featuring a miniskirt adorned with the Saudi Arabian flag in her Spring 2024 collection at London Fashion Week on Friday.
The Mowalola collection featured miniskirts made from different flags, including those of China, the UK, and Japan. Among them was the flag of Saudi Arabia, which displays the Shahada, the Islamic oath stating "there is no god but God; Mohammed is the messenger of God."
Prominent Arab and Muslim fashion influencers urged FarFetch, a fashion distributor with a significant customer base in the Middle East, to stop selling Mowalola items. They warned that if the company didn't comply, they would initiate a boycott.
Ogunlesi initially ridiculed the controversy surrounding X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to a screenshot shared by the Couture is Beyond account on X, they expressed, "The idea of a mini skirt being considered an act of war in 2023 is incredibly dystopian." Another comment states, "Save your tears for someone who cares."
Ogunlesi, the designer, apologized for the offense caused by her designs and deleted the controversial posts. "I have come to realize, after the show, that one of the flags I used - Saudi Arabia's - contains sacred words, resulting in great offense. Now that I have been enlightened about this matter, I deeply apologize," expressed Ogunlesi on X.
"Thank you for holding me accountable, and your understanding as I learn from this experience is greatly appreciated," she expressed.
Out of reverence for the holy inscription, it is customary not to depict the Saudi flag on apparel. In 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce prohibited its use for commercial purposes, as reported by Saudi media. Notably, the Saudi flag is never lowered to half-mast during periods of national mourning anywhere globally.
X users expressed criticism of the design, deeming it "disrespectful" and "offensive" in their posts and comments. This is not the first instance where Mowalola has incorporated religious symbols into her designs, as the brand has frequently featured the crucifix in their Spring 2023 collection.
