Life & Style

Fashion designer faces claims of verbal, physical abuse against client

Facebook posts allege Tabassum Mughal ordered to beat up a customer's mother

Web Desk August 02, 2015

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Social media was taken by storm as posts alleging 'mistreatment' by designer Tabassum Mughal went viral on Sunday.

The posts by a soon-to-be bride’s cousin and friend alleged Tabassum Mughal mistreated the bride’s mother and had her beaten up when she protested against the designer’s refusal to return her daughter’s clothes.

“Finally today my cousin's mother went to pick up the dresses because today was the delivery date. They refused to give the dresses to her. Her mother (my chachi) got furious and started yelling and demanded to call Tabassum. Upon this shouting, Tabassum and her manager appeared and Tabassum instructed her manager to beat the woman up,” the post read.

“In short, four men and Tabassum kicked, punched and slapped my chachi and threw her out of the house saying that ‘people who travel in rickshaws don't deserve to shop at Tabassum Mughal’”, it added.

The post claimed the bride had ordered her barat and valima outfits from the designer. However, the designer initially didn’t show the bride her dresses and when she finally did two weeks before her wedding the “outfits were completely off.”

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

“The measurements were haywire and the colours and kaam were hideous. My cousin got really mad and told off the girls and the manager there. Tabassum, meanwhile had disappeared and didn't come in contact at all, even though my cousin demanded to speak to her because she had taken the order,” the post further read.

They further alleged that this was not the first time the designer misbehaved with them. “Countless times, the designer's manager misbehaved, only verbally, and said that no such brief was given but still they'd make changes.”

“This woman is heavily bruised and bleeding in places. I'm appalled by the behaviour of Tabassum Mughal. Extremely disappointed. The dresses that cost Rs0.85 million, have cost a woman her respect.”

Many took to social media and criticised the designer’s alleged behaviour while some had their own terrifying tales of bad customer service to share. Some even created a page on Facebook titled 'Bring Tabassum Mughal to justice.'

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Images of a woman’s bruised hand also accompanied many posts narrating this story, however, could not be independently verified.

Further, Mughal took to her Facebook page to reply to the allegations but later deleted her response. When contacted by The Express Tribune, the designer refused to comment.

Here is a screenshot of the deleted post:

COMMENTS (37)

Hassan Shehryar Yasin | 9 years ago | Reply It is a great disappointment to learn about Tabassum Mughal's behavior towards her clients. Her posts expresses the inside that she possesses. Clients are valuable and the best pillar to any business. In any case, one should not use the word "Animal" for them. I think Tabassum Mughal as a designer is the worst Animal in Pakistan Fashion Industry. All good designers stand with the sufferer and demand Tabassum Mughal bring to justice. Shame on you Tabassum Mughal!

Mulla Diesel | 9 years ago | Reply The problem with us Pakistanis is that we immediately take sides with the first sign of injustice without hearing or thinking of the whole story. Why would the designer let alone her father beat up a woman without any provocation or justification. The fact is we have a largely uneducated population who have an opinion about everything and think they know best. I still say the mother deserved what she got. People think since they are paying money they can do whatever they want. I face a similar situation every day in customer service and God only knows how many times ive been tempted to slap people for their rude behaviour.

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Rollin & Trollin | 9 years ago | Reply Seems like she received tutoring from NS' daughter in bullying and assault and battery !

Ayeza | 9 years ago | Reply @Mulla diesel: It doesnt matter what she uses to travel. They were her DAUGHTER'S outfits and she needed them urgently. Probably the car wasnt available at that time. Or whatever the reason was, she didnt want to waste another minute and hence, grabbed a rickshaw and headed to the boutique. ANY mother wouldve done that if it was for her daughter's sake. You cant just judge a person by looking at what sort of vehicle they use to travel around.

Saleem | 9 years ago | Reply @Pseudonymous: "That’s just sad. People who can’t afford to send their daughters as well as sons to college save up millions for their weddings " This is the crux of the whole problem. Why not educate kids instead of keeping them hooligans just to spend millions on there marriage. Ever seen the waste of money through hired dancers , firing etc etc on such marriages ? After watching there videos , one wonders that better to get educated rather then 'save for that one day' !. Also whether bride paid or groom but this would be an influential family that coined 'Rickshaw Wala' just to garner public support. Nicely engineered as social jihadis are mainly talking about this name calling without anyone having any idea about what really happened. Since beginning I am saying that victims story looks engineered to garner public support and an attempt to blackmail.

Timorlane | 9 years ago | Reply These fashion designers are skewed creatures Why doesn't FBR focus on them as they mint millions and pay peanuts in taxes

Pseudonymous | 9 years ago | Reply That's just sad. People who can't afford to send their daughters as well as sons to college save up millions for their weddings so that she can have at least one happy event in her life, if it can't be a grad ceremony. And here is Tabassum, trashing it. Honestly, if I were a designer, I'd feel honoured about having people save up for my dresses and flaunting them on their special days. Clearly, this lady only cares about money and not the satisfaction of her customers. It's also sad that the police force is like this too, pocketing money instead of doing their job and making sure everyone is safe. It's no wonder Pakistan is the way it is now. All anyone cares about is money, not the happiness of the people they serve. And then they expect the youth to look up to them and treat them with respect. Maa Shaa Allah. What an Islamic Republic we are. scoff

Murad | 9 years ago | Reply Everybody comparing 8.5 lakh dress and the arrival of woman in rickshaw need to rethink. The payment for bridal dress is made by the groom's family. Common sense.

AK | 9 years ago | Reply FBR got a case here. Spending 8.5 lakh on dresses is a good indicator for FBR to investigate how much tax these people are paying.

Anon | 9 years ago | Reply Why are people spending Rs. 8.5M on dresses?! No wonder these designers have lost their minds....

Yasir | 9 years ago | Reply Dear ideal people (certainly exist on FB only) as commeting above in favor of Victim. Hope you would have done some research, atleast visit the page prior to comment.

Mulla diesel | 9 years ago | Reply Sorry folks but you all are giving pretty lame arguments. It just doesn't make sense that the mum was so devoted to fulfil her daughters dream wedding that she went in a rickshaw cause the cars were busy elsewhere. Come on give me a break. yes even I take a rickshaw to go to places where one can't find parking but this designer was based in a residential area. Second it's $8500 for a couple of dresses that's not cheap. We Pakistanis don't even walk a couple of meters if we can avoid it. Please save the lame excuses there is definitely more than it meets the eye.

S.Shah | 9 years ago | Reply Tabassum Mughal, what a SHAME!!! i must say. You have literally torn your name into pieces. You should be shameful on your act. Just imagine this being done to YOUR MOM or anyone from your family.... You should have some respect for others. If you are a designer, don't forget that Pakistan and the people of Pakistan have given you name and fame. What you have done now is just a gross act and even never be forgotten. I really like(D) you but now guess the word HATE is not even enough for you.

sadaf khan | 9 years ago | Reply All I know is that if she would have done this to my mom, TM would be on a wheelchair by now. Your arrogance will drown you. Never forget you are a human being yourself and you can get hit and beaten the same way. One thing for sure: u have no idea of what customer service is, from that point of view I would seriously ask you to die before u open that shop again.

Sadiyah malik | 9 years ago | Reply @Mulla Diesel: commuting in rakshaw or bmw is not a status symbol, maybe her car broke down or maybe she's new in karachi just visiting for shadi, n since it was her daughter's wedding, it might be possible that her car or maybe cars were busy somewhere else..so traveling in rakshaw is not a big deal. Stop judging people by their appearence..

ko | 9 years ago | Reply @Mulla diesel: maybe She didn't have the car at that moment.

M.M | 9 years ago | Reply I'm more disappointed in the mob mentality that has enveloped the people of this country. Regardless of whether or not Tabassum is proven guilty, I'm ashamed that people in this country are ready to partake in this level of abuse and bullying over a viral social media based story. It is one thing to stand up for injustice and fight for someone's rights. But the people abusing her all over facebook, calling her and anyone with a rational argument the dirtiest of names and insulting entire families leads me to the simple conclusion that the people up in arms over all this are simply no better than the ones they hate.

Ali S | 9 years ago | Reply This so-called designer's snobby attitude of entitlement is only being strengthened the fact that normal people like us who sometimes have to use rickshaws to get around are paying them 8.5 lacs for a dress that has their name on it - it's beyond me why anyone would pay that much for a dress, especially one that's most likely made by a talented but lowly-paid back-alley tailor in Pakistan at a fraction of the cost (I'd be surprised if pompous high-profile designers like Tabassum Mughal even know how to stitch a shalwar properly).

U | 9 years ago | Reply @Mulla diesel: why do you think it's a literal allusion to a rickshaw? Could be a jab at her social class. Plus, on wedding days anything can happen due to the pandemonium; cars are busy with other errands, or guests, or the bride, etc. So a rickshaw is still not far fetched, maybe the customer isn't class conscious enough to delay an important errand because the car is unavailable especially if its about the bride's clothes a day before the events commence. @Bushra Bilqees: she doesn't have to show 'everyone' the CCTV footage because simply they don't matter. Even if she shows it, talkers will talk, and maligners will malign. So it's a gamble either way. If it's a registered case, which it should be with almost a million rupees at stake plus unforgivable physical abuse, then she can show it to the authorities. You have no privilege to see these tapes, you're inconsequential in this scenario. I am no fan of this 'designer' and personally. know and have seen, for a fact, the appalling abuse thrown at the 'lower classes' by their pea - brained, superficial selves (plus most fashion photographers and models) but a right is a right even of the wicked and the fallen, so let them deal with it. The customers might not be angels themselves, they are human after all.

adeel | 9 years ago | Reply 'negative publicity' in this type of industry doesn't exist . yesterday no one knew tabasum mughal now every one does. prolly she did it herself for fame.

Amber | 9 years ago | Reply Frankly, no real upperclass woman would do that to anyone. She's trash that's made her name in fashion and is acting like she's upper class. And if it's true that the client was lying, I still believe it takes two to tango. This tabassum mughal can't be innocent. I'm tired of tbe elite classes being people's by nouveau riche trash.

Sana | 9 years ago | Reply @Mulla Diesel I have two cars at my place but at times if the circumstances are such, even I use a rickshaw. May be she used the rickshaw because she did not mind using one if car was not available at a time.?of course some people think rickshaw travellers are not humans

Babar Khan | 9 years ago | Reply @Mulla diesel: This is Pakistan. People would rather spend a crore on a party than on education.

Aslam K | 9 years ago | Reply Having known Ms.Mughal since the earliest times possible I can safely say that she is a true definition of Multiple Personality Disorder. During school days we would see her sitting in a corner, banging her head against concrete walls and throwing fits which were quite unusual for a 16 year old girl coming from a rich family. During college days we would see her misbehaving with the members of Faculty. Warned multiple times by the management she was untouchable. Now that she has her own brand it is unfortunate that her ways have not changed. One source from their family declares that legal action is in order and notice will be served to the alleged victim. I hope justice is served and whoever that has wronged is dealt accordingly.

usman777 | 9 years ago | Reply customer service at its best i guess.... case study for MBA's.

Saleem | 9 years ago | Reply There is more to the story then meets the eye. If the designer herself took the 'measurements and the order' as claimed by client then they definitely are wealthy and influential. I did not understand why she would call them 'Rickshaw People' unless it is a clever 'twist' to story by the niece to garner public support. Most importantly , I do not understand that why the client does not go to police station. They found an indirect contact for a tv channel but in online support no one gave them link to contact law enforcement ? It was an expensive order and I can not believe that it will be by some 'average client' who can not contact police and instead trying to get media time. The social channels give great support to the poor and needy in case of injustice. However, if influential people will start using it to settle personal score then public will get wary of this medium as well. I would suggest to the wealthy 'chachi' ordering 8.5 Lakh suit to use sense before people get tired of so called 'social justice'.

Mulla diesel | 9 years ago | Reply Can someone explain to me how a mother who can't afford a car comes in a rickshaw to pick up clothes worth 8.5 lac rupees.

imran khalid | 9 years ago | Reply Its so unethical/misbehaving is not accepted in any business.coming is rickshaw is a common feature of Karachi.these kind of cheap stunts are used by our lawn queens/as/ two women's are mostly fighting for lawn joras..oh plz.....Imran khalid fashion designer.

Tabassum Lover | 9 years ago | Reply @HighStreet-Islamabad: Nobody's in trouble. She's got what is needed to handle these situations. Believe me, nothing will happen to her or her businesses. Just like all other cases, this will be die out soon.

mjk | 9 years ago | Reply So, at one point , Tabassum says 'I have everything caught on tape to prove otherwise,' and then a few lines later says 'I don't have to prove anything to anyone.' WOMAN, you're making your own case weak.

anita turab | 9 years ago | Reply Well if they are so injured and bruised and defrauded then they should go to the police instead of seeking facebook justice. Also 8.5 lakhs are not just handed over without a receipt or some details of what is to be expected. All this sounds like rubbish on both sides. Why is it even newspaper report? Who is Tabbasum Mughal? Never heard of her.

HighStreet-Islamabad | 9 years ago | Reply I have just come across a screen shot of a witness (client) who was entering her studio. She states that a woman was being kicked by Tabassum's father and a worker ( karigar) Link to this post is below: https://www.facebook.com/Pakistan.Drama.Fans.club/photos/a.893817224032802.1073742316.105624036185462/893817750699416/?type=1&theater Now there is a witness too to this case! The designer is really in trouble now.

Mehreen | 9 years ago | Reply Did she just refer to her counterparts/clients as '(ten) animals' in her clarification?

Ponka Singh | 9 years ago | Reply Tabassum (name is opposite), Say sorry to the people you misbehaved otherwise we will drag you to courts, refund the money and say sorry publicly. Thanks

Mehjabeen Abbasi | 9 years ago | Reply If you have tapes covering reality than show it to the world.

S | 9 years ago | Reply @Bushra Bilqees Whatever she releases now will be edited

Bushra Bilqees | 9 years ago | Reply If Tabassum (as per her deleted comment) is innocent, all she has to do is to release the CCTV footage and it will clear everything up. She mentioned that "if things do get out of hand we always have proof to show to the world..." Well, I think things have gotten out of hand and she should release the CCTV footage that has "everything caught on tape to prove otherwise." She can make all of this go away if she shows everyone the tape. Unless she's guilty, which means that the tape will never be released, and has probably already been deleted, just like the many comments that she has been deleting from her Facebook accounts.

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