Stunning Fashion Designer's Remarkable Apology in the Saudi Miniskirt Outrage
London fashion designer Mowalola Ogunlesi issues an apology for causing controversy with her Spring 2024 collection at London Fashion Week The uproar was sparked by a miniskirt featuring the Saudi Arabian flag print, leading to backlash and online criticism
London-based Nigerian fashion designer Mowalola Ogunlesi apologized after receiving online backlash for featuring a miniskirt in her Spring 2024 collection at London Fashion Week on Friday, which had a print of the Saudi Arabian flag.
The Mowalola collection showcased miniskirts made from different flags, including ones from China, the UK, and Japan. Among them was the Saudi Arabian flag which features the Shahada, the Islamic oath stating "there is no god but God; Mohammed is the messenger of God." Fashion influencers from Arab and Muslim communities strongly urged FarFetch, the fashion distributor, to cease selling Mowalola products and threatened to boycott the company. It is worth noting that FarFetch has a significant customer following in the Middle East.
The Saudi skirt in question has been removed from the collection. Mowalola also debuted skirts made from other national flags, as shown here.
Courtesy Mowalola
Ogunlesi initially mocked the controversy on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In a screenshot shared by the Couture is Beyond account on X, it is remarked that the declaration of a mini skirt as an act of war in 2023 is incredibly dystopian. Another individual responds by sarcastically stating, "Cry me a river." Subsequently, the designer deleted the posts and expressed remorse for any hurt or offense caused by her designs.
"After the show, I discovered that one of the flags displayed, specifically that of Saudi Arabia, contained sacred words which, unfortunately, led to significant offense. Having obtained knowledge on this matter, I extend a sincere apology for my ignorance," expressed Ogunlesi on X.
"I am grateful to you for holding me responsible and I genuinely value your understanding as I grow and learn from this situation," she further expressed.
The use of the Saudi flag on clothing is generally avoided to show respect for the sacred inscription. In 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce prohibited businesses from using it for commercial reasons, as reported by Saudi media. Interestingly, the Saudi flag is never lowered to half-staff during periods of national mourning, regardless of the location. People on platform X expressed their dissent towards the design through critical posts and comments, referring to it as "disrespectful" and "offensive."
This miniskirt isnt the first time Mowalola has used religious symbols in designs. The brand frequently used the crucifix in its Spring 2023 collection.
