- Mowalola removes Saudi flag miniskirt after online backlash from its SS24 runway show.
- Controversy arose due to the skirt’s use of the sacred Saudi flag script. Designer initially defended the choice but later apologised, following much backlash and reflecting a wider trend of brands facing criticism for religious text on clothing.
Mowalola, the fashion brand, has decided to remove a miniskirt featuring the Saudi Arabian flag from its collection following a wave of online criticism. The controversy erupted after the skirt was showcased during the brand’s SS24 runway show, with many people on social media expressing their outrage.
The skirt in question prominently displayed the Islamic declaration of faith in Arabic, which is a sacred part of Saudi Arabia’s flag. The script reads, “there is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” While other miniskirts in the collection featured flags of different countries, many Muslims and critics argued that using the Saudi flag with its sacred writing was highly disrespectful.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), social media users voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the issue wasn’t about defending Saudi Arabia but rather respecting a scripture that holds deep significance for billions of people. Some expressed dismay at the fashion industry’s apparent disregard for religious sensitivities.
Initially, the designer attempted to defend her choice, but the backlash continued to grow. Social media users pointed out that Saudi Arabia has specific laws governing the use of its flag, making its inclusion on a skirt highly disrespectful.
In response to the mounting criticism, the designer issued a series of apologies on X. She explained that her initial inspiration for the SS24 collection was to incorporate national flags from different countries but acknowledged the offense caused by the Saudi Arabian flag. She pledged to remove the design from the collection and expressed deep regret for any hurt or offence her oversight may have caused.
Mowalola’s designer is Nigerian-born Mowalola Ogunlesi, based in London.
This incident isn’t the first time a brand has faced backlash for featuring religious text on clothing. Earlier in the year, PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival issued an apology after a fashion label displayed garments with religious texts, sparking outrage from social media influencers like Mona Khalifa.
