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Dowry Disputes Entangle Fashion Designers

Bridal couture is big business in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India where designers can get caught in the middle of disputes over dowries as well as cultural and ethical debates surrounding the practice.

Ali Xeeshan's Numaish bridal collection denounces dowry culture. Ali Xeeshan — Image from the fashion film made by Pakistani designer Ali Xeeshan for his bridal collection Numaish denouncing dowry culture in conjunction with UN Women Pakistan. Ali Xeeshan.

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02 May 2021

BoF PROFESSIONAL

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Bridal fashion shows are, for the most part, about creating a fantasy around a beautiful bride in a spectacular gown on her perfect day. For bridal designers the world over, success in selling this fantasy is key to the bottom line for their business.

About the author

Maliha Rehman is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Rehman is a Pakistani writer specialising in fashion and beauty.

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