PayPal’s Melbourne Fashion Festival apologizes after the label used the Arabic text for ‘Allah’ on see-through clothing worn by models on the catwalk in a ‘vile’ display
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival has apologized after some show-goers were offended by a series of garments the models displayed on the catwalk.
Melbourne brand NOT A MAN’S DREAM, founded by Samantha Saint James in 2022, printed the Arabic text for ‘Allah’ on the outfits worn by the models on Saturday night, some of which were see-through.
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival said in a statement on Sunday: “We understand that certain pieces shown as part of last night’s closing Catwalk have offended some members of our community.”
‘The Festival has not intended to disrespect anyone and we apologize for any offense 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.”
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival has apologized after some attendees were offended by some of the clothing displayed by the NOT A MAN’S DREAM brand (pictured)
Melbourne label NOT A MAN’S DREAM, founded by Samantha Saint James in 2022, printed the Arabic text for ‘Allah’ on outfits worn on the catwalk on Saturday night, some of which were see-through (in the photo)
In an additional statement obtained by The Sydney Morning Heralddesigner Saint James said: ‘I apologize for any offense or disrespect caused by certain pieces I showed on the MFF catwalk on Saturday night.
‘I have come to understand how some clothes have offended. It was the opposite of my intention and for that, I am very sorry.
Melbourne model Mona Khalifa was among those who raised concerns after attending the show, calling the display “vile”.
He noted that one of the models was wearing a see-through version of the garment and appeared to be braless underneath.
“I couldn’t contain my anger, I couldn’t put this off any longer,” she began in a series of Instagram Stories posts.
“This designer, Not A Man’s Dream, had this on the runway, it has the word Allah on it, look how she’s dressed, she’s literally naked and she has the word Allah all over her body.”
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival said in a statement: “We understand that certain pieces shown as part of last night’s Closing Catwalk have offended some members of our community.” The Festival has not intended to disrespect anyone and we apologize for any offense caused’
In a further statement, designer Saint James said: “I apologize for any offense or disrespect caused by certain pieces I showed on the MFF runway show on Saturday night.” I have come to understand how some clothes have offended. It was the opposite of my intention and for that, I am very sorry’
“Honestly, there’s a fine line between art and disrespect, this falls way above disrespect,” Mona continued.
“There is no reason for someone to put the word Allah or anything Islamic in something like this, literally no reason, you could have put any other Arabic phrase.”
‘Honestly, I don’t care if they stop inviting me to these events. Disrespecting my religion is where I draw the line, this is vile. Shout out to the models who refused to walk for that designer,” she added.
Australia’s National Council of Imams spokesman Bilal Rauf said Age criticized the label for “impoliteness and disrespect.”
“The use of certain words and symbols that have religious significance should be used with respect,” he said.
Melbourne model Mona Khalifa (pictured) was among those who raised concerns after attending the show, calling the display “vile”. She noted that one of the models was wearing a see-through version of the garment and appeared to go braless under it.
