An Australian streetwear label has sparked controversy over printing the Arabic word for Allah, on its garments. For context, the brand, Not A Man’s Dream, showcased two of its designs in the Melbourne Fashion Festival finale this past weekend.
One of the designs featured a model wearing a sleeveless jumpsuit. The one-piece outfit has the Arabic script “Allah walks with me” printed all over her body. Her hair, neck and ears were also covered with the same fabric.
Biadap! Jenama Terkenal Cetak Nama Allah Atas Baju
Menampilkan seorang model memakai ‘jumpsuit’ diperbuat daripada fabrik lutsinar dengan tulisan Arab bertulis 'Allah berjalan bersama saya' (الله يمشي معي) di seluruh badannya.. pic.twitter.com/DY3cPaRnue
— Samudera.my (@MySamudera) March 14, 2023
@monakhalifaxo_ @BABY BILLIONAIRE @Melbourne Fashion Festival i am disgusted that anyone would think this is okay?? Beyond disrespectful and disgusting! #fyp #fypシ #melbournefashionweek
Another piece featured a layered, short-sleeve midi dress with a large split, which also had the holy words on it. Unlike the other model, the black model’s hair was covered with a white headgear. Many people didn’t react too kindly to this. Most of them have taken to social media to call the designer out for disrespecting Islam.
After facing massive backlash from the public, both Melbourne Fashion Week and the designer have issued a public apology. “The Festival did not intend to disrespect anyone and we apologise for any offence caused. We have been in contact with the designer of Not A Man’s Dream and together we have agreed to remove certain content from our channels,” they revealed in their statement.
Not A Man’s Dream designer and founder Samantha Saint James has also come forward to apologise for offending the public with her designs. In her statement, she revealed, “I have come to understand how some garments have caused offence”. It was the opposite of my intention and for that, I’m truly sorry.”
@monakhalifaxo_ @Melbourne Fashion Festival and Samantha saint james. We need more accountability. Something needs to change so this never happens again #fypシ #melbournefashionfestival #melbourne #australia #muslimtiktok #islamic_media
The fashion brand’s Instagram page has also been set to private mode following the controversy.
Sources: Borak Daily, SBS, TikTok (1)(2).
