# Controversial Couture Veil Debate Inspires Paris Designers at Fashion Week By Sheena Osman | Published 2009-07-16 | Luxury Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/givenchy-veil-paris-fashion-week References: [luxist](http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/16/middle-eastern-inspired-fashion-pushes-buttons/) & [givenchy](http://www.givenchy.com/) A recent [Givenchy Couture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bucket-handbag) fashion show at Paris Fashion Week has caused quite a stir as it showcased an abaya (a religious Islamic covering). It seemed like the perfect timing for the designer to gain attention with these garments at a time when French President Nicolas Sarkozy is making plans to ban this head-to-toe covering. **Implications** - Some might look at something like the veil or the Hijab and see an obstacle or disadvantage, but to companies and forward-thinking designers, it should instead be seen as an opportunity. Finding creative and respectful ways to incorporate [cultural and religious concerns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-golden-age-models) is the definite calling card of innovation, and those who make the most of this fact will definitely stand out. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury) > [Luxury Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxuryfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Inclusive Fashion:** Creating fashion that respects and incorporates cultural and religious concerns as a way to promote inclusivity and diversity. - **Cultural Fusion:** Blending different cultural aesthetics and traditions in fashion designs to create unique and innovative styles. - **Controversial Marketing:** Utilizing controversial topics or issues in fashion marketing as a way to grab attention and generate buzz. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore creating inclusive designs and addressing controversial issues to cater to a wider range of consumers. - **Retail:** Retailers can capitalize on the demand for inclusive fashion by offering a diverse range of culturally-inspired clothing options. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising agencies can devise creative campaigns around controversial topics that align with consumer values and generate brand awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Politically-Inspired Runway Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selkies-the-libertine-collection.md) - [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md) - [Region-Inspired Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abaya-capsule.md) - [Couture Ketchup Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-robe-ketchup.md) - [Experimental Fall Wardrobe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/khaotique-noir.md) - [Modesty-Focused Ramadan Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcm-1.md) - [Contemporary Fashion Retrospectives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-by-demna.md) - [One-Legged Luxury Fashion Jeans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onelegged-jean.md) - [Intimate Spring Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-springsummer-2026.md)