The Dutch fashion brand Merrachi has sparked controversy in France with its latest announcement, which includes the Eiffel Tower in Hijab. What was meant by a creative expression instead has instead sparked a violent reaction, as many critics seen it as an insult to French culture and values.
The advertisement, which was published on the official Instagram account in Merrachi, depicts the iconic Eiffel Tower that was wiped in the veil. While the brand is probably aimed at making a bold statement about inclusiveness and freedom of expression, the advertisement has been condemned by a number of French political figures, which it described as a “deliberate provocation”.
Lizit Polit, a member of Parliament from the right -wing National Rally Party, has expressed her rejection of X, and described the announcement as a “insult” to Eiffel Tower. “By wrapping it in the Islamic veil, Marashi intentionally tried to provoke us,” she said. He also criticized his national colleague, Jerome Bouison, and described him as a “dangerous political step.” French economist Philip Moor, co -founder of the political movement of citizens, went to the most indicating that the Merrachi stores in France should be closed and its website banned.
However, not everyone shares this opinion. On social media, many users defended Merrachi, and they saw the advertisement as a strong artistic statement that raises talking about the right of Muslim women to wear the veil. One of the commentators celebrated the announcement of the phrase “from the Eiffel Tower to the Hijabi power!
This controversy comes amid continuous discussions in France on Islamic clothes. The country has a history of restrictions on Islamic clothing, including a ban on the year 2004 on the veil in schools, the 2010 ban on Burqas and Niqabs in public places, and recently a ban on Abayas in public schools. These laws are frame in the strict secularism of France, which many see in contradiction to religious expression.
The uproar about the Merrachi advertisement reflects deeper tensions in France due to freedom of expression, religious rights, and national identity, which makes this declaration just a fashion statement, but rather a political flash point.
