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Ali Xeeshan is making a 'fashion statement' but it's not about clothes — it's about dowry

Ali Xeeshan is making a 'fashion statement' but it's not about clothes — it's about dowry

Designer urges people to stop practice of asking for and giving dowries.
08 Feb, 2021

A young girl, who has not yet come of age, laden with heavy bridal clothes, makeup and jewellery pulling a cart full of "goodies" down a runway is not a showstopper in the traditional sense — but it was a sight that made people pause and think at fashion week.

Designer Ali Xeeshan has partnered with UN Women Pakistan to highlight the issue of dowries and he unveiled the collaboration during the Pantene Hum Bridal Couture Week and on Instagram.

His models, an adult groom and a young bride, walked on the runway with a pull cart to convey an unresolved issue: women are weighed down by the concept of having to bring a dowry or jahez when they get married.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio also posted a short video on its official Instagram page.

In the video, directed by Abdullah Haris, a young woman is placed in front of the pull cart by her parents as they pile their belongings onto it. Her groom then sits on the cart as well and she is barely able to move it.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

"It's time to put a stop to this overburdening tradition!" read the caption.

Xeeshan has been teasing the collection on social media for days by posting behind the scenes pictures.

The collaboration is part of UN Women's Jahez Khori Band Karo campaign, which calls on people to stop asking for and giving dowries.

The campaign previously included Pakistani celebrities spreading awareness about the campaign by writing 'Jahezkhori Band Karo' on their hands. Jahezkhori was a word UN Women coined for the campaign, combining jahez, meaning dowry, and khori, similar to bhattakhori or someone who extorts money from people.

This fashion statement is one we can 100 per cent get behind.

Comments

Abs Feb 08, 2021 04:59pm
Excellent work, hopefully in near future dowry will be the story of past.
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Shuaib Feb 08, 2021 05:24pm
great initiative. well done Ali Xeeshan. Keep it up and keep stroking minds and thoughts
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M. Saeed Feb 08, 2021 05:44pm
Dowry should be legally banned in one of the poorest countries of the world forced by customs, to become the country of costliest marriages in the world.
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Salman Feb 08, 2021 05:51pm
Finally, fashion being relevant. Good job.
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NYS Feb 08, 2021 06:45pm
To subject dowry fashion industry is the right platform
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Chrís Dăn Feb 08, 2021 07:54pm
Keep it up guys.
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AbC Feb 08, 2021 09:21pm
There should be a walk against gold jewellery and a looooong suiting list plus make up kits.
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AbC Feb 08, 2021 09:22pm
There should be another walk against gold jewellary , make up kits and expansive bridal suiting
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MG Feb 09, 2021 05:02am
Girls should get employable professional education and then they will be able to choose the boy they want. This is happening in South India already.
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Moiz Feb 09, 2021 07:34am
A designer who wants brides to drop a couple million on suits designed by him is protesting against dowry. Ironic is the word that comes to mind.
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Dr. Haider Feb 09, 2021 10:23am
Concept is great regarding dowry!! But can someone shed some light on how these designers and photographers are glorifying their dresses in attempt to exponentially increase their profits. Just in last decade this designer wear concept is a new thing , making huge strata of society uncomfortable.
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Swami Bodhijagran Feb 09, 2021 05:31pm
Best news by Don.. thanks
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nks Feb 10, 2021 11:50pm
Ali Xeeshan! have u seen how much he charge for a bridal dress...
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