Even though dowry is a criminalised offence in our country, you will be surprised how it still widely exists. Not just in rural areas, but even well-to-do families often ask for dowry in the name of “gifts”.
Taking a stand against the evil practice that plagues many families, Pakistani fashion designer Ali Xeeshan recently campaigned against dowry using his new bridal collection, reports The Indian Express. Pictures and videos show a young bride, draped in a bridal ensemble, pulling a cart of dowry with the groom sitting on top.
The entire imagery symbolises how for the bride and her family dowry is a burden.
“Shedding light on the epochal and alarming issue of families fretting over saving money for their daughters’ dowry (Jahez) instead of their education that is far more important. It’s time to put a stop to this overburdening tradition!” writes the designer.
Have a look at the video here:
While there were some who lauded the designer’s message, several people online pointed out the hypocrisy behind it all. They highlighted how the designer himself sells expensive bridal wear, making it a financial burden for many in the first place.
And the expensive dress cost 10 to 12 lackh also not acceptable
— Adiba Khan (@kadiba60) February 8, 2021
Misplaced tweet by @unwomen_pak totally ignoring the fact that designers like @ALIXEESHAN are a huge part of the problem when it comes to weddings. Parents need to save for years before they can afford to buy bridal dresses from such designers and there’s a constant competition.
— Sarwat Ayub (@sashayub) February 8, 2021
But what to say to the designer who initiated this campaign & sold bridal dresses starting from LACS…
An innocent question— Adnan Hameed (@adnan6673) February 10, 2021
Stop expensive and extravagant weddings. Stop bridal dresses worth millions. Stop hypocracy
— Saad A. Shaikh (@SaadShaikh04) February 7, 2021
Stop underpayment to workers making dresses for designers that are sold in millions!!
— Saad A. Shaikh (@SaadShaikh04) February 7, 2021
Great message. But capitalism remains undefeated. Whereas designer #AliZeeshan has put forth an applaudable message, but his very bridal dresses cost an arm and leg to the same bride’s family. 1 designer dress costs as much as the entire dowry. #SayNoToDowry #CapitalismThrives https://t.co/U5jyJp3YPe
— Aimen Akhtar (@aimenakhtar97) February 10, 2021
The message your Couture is delivering is Impeccable but what about the High Prices of Your Designer Wear, make style and Fashion sense easily available for Every Citizen Of Pakistan not just Elite https://t.co/PcBYeHjYRh
— Sidra Hussain (@sidrahussyn) February 9, 2021
Weddings are an expensive affair. While on one hand, it is true that dowry is forced while purchasing a bridal ensemble isn’t, on the other hand, the bar set for bridal wear is too high to start with. The question still remains – if you are against financial and emotional burden caused by dowry, why not make your bridal collection more affordable?