Life & Style

Fashion photo-shoot criticised for 'demeaning women'

Perhaps not the best foot forward...

December 20, 2018

A recent photo-shoot for a local publication has come under fire for 'promoting violence against women.'

The picture, by stylist and fashion choreographer Yasser Abdul Aziz Dar, first caught attention when it was shared by comedian Ali Gul Pir on social media. It shows model Anam Malik's face under the shoe of another model. Whose foot it was, you might ask? Sadaf Kanwal's.

"This is a Pakistani photo-shoot which is marketing shoes and the photographers suppressed fetish of being dominated by feet. Now English Boot House needs to up their game. Let's see what they do. Chappal in mouth?" Pir poked fun at the picture.

This is a Pakistani photoshoot which is marketing shoes and the photographers suppressed fetish of being dominated by feet. Now English Boot House needs to up their game, let's see what they do. Chappal in mouth? #footfetish #dominate #fashion pic.twitter.com/SdjckXRWYH
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) December 19, 2018

Soon after he shared the image, many came forward to slam the thought behind the photo-shoot. "This is unacceptable; this is the promotion of violence against women," a user commented on the picture. "How dumb is the woman who accepted to be a part of this? A woman is promoting this. Can someone see that too?" wrote another one.

SCREENGRAB

Social media users called out Sadaf and Anam as well, who were a part of the shoot. "Sadaf Kanwal and Anam Malik... Shame on them, seriously. How can they degrade themselves like this? The people who shot it, styled it and published it are nothing but a bunch of psychopaths and sadists," penned a user.

SCREENGRAB

"Used to only think Pakistani media is constantly under some influence and has completely lost all levels of sanity. I certainly believe it now. This institution of Pakistan requires a strong check and needs to promote balance," said another.

SCREENGRAB

"The whole idea is flawed. The photographer, the person behind this idea and the models needs to grow up," one remarked.

SCREENGRAB

After backlash, Yasser and model Anam responded to all the hate they have been receiving on Instagram. Yasser wrote, "Thanks for all the hatred I got, I really appreciate it. But I'm not going to justify and delete this picture. If you don't like it, then just don't like it. Don't double tap. It is as simple as it sounds. Thanks."

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB/YASSER SHAH INSTAGRAM STORY

He added, "I'm not providing some public service here that you can come to my profile and boss me. My work is my art and I respect it. Thanks for your irrelevant concern."

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB/YASSER SHAH INSTAGRAM STORY

Soon after, Anam wrote, "Kuch toh log kahain gy, logon ka kaam hai kehna. (People will talk regardless.)"