SHAH ALAM - Fashion entrepreneur Vivy Yusof has fought back critics who accused her and her label dUCk of using one’s suffering as "aesthetics” amidst the relaunch of the Palestine dUCk collection.
Despite stating its intention to show solidarity with the Palestinians who are under siege by the Israeli occupation, Instagram-users flooded the comment section of the collection’s unveiling post by calling out dUCk for its "insensitivity” and "opportunistic behaviour”.
Addressing the matter, Vivy stated that people had requested for dUCk to bring the collection back as they wanted to wear the items to show solidarity to Palestine.
"When they wear it, it helps even more with spreading awareness on this cause. We are simply providing the means (without profiting from it) because that too is spreading awareness,” she said in an Instastory today.
Vivy also reiterated that dUCk was not taking any money from the collection as all profits will go to Viva Palestine Malaysia to fueling hospitals, medical supplies, shelter and food.
She said there was no tax refund for this as well, telling followers and critics: "You can verify with VPM”. Vivy also urged people to directly donate to non-governmental organisations directly.
"That’s what I’ve been posting about for days and dUCK too has said that in every post. We’ve also provided the bank account details for you,” she said, adding that we should continue helping Palestine.
Vivy shared a photo of her, as well as other who were donning the Palestine scarf designs, where in her posting she said everyone can show their support in many ways.
"Donate to NGOs, spread (the) word, wear your support too. Because you might just inspire more people to join the cause, Muslim or not,” she said after sharing an anecdote where a Chinese lady came up to her and asked where she could buy It as she liked the scarf.
The collection also includes a tote bag and mugs with the same design. Vivy said they also wanted items for non-hijabis.
"The only one she could it in time and fast from our supplier is thistle bag and mug so that’s all we could offer,” she said.
Among the critical comments received on the unveiling post of the Palestine collection on dUCk’s Instagram was by @sofearssa, who said, "What an opportunist. Imagine using someone's suffering just to make a profit out of it, or worse, for aesthetics."
Another user @afiqsuhail commented "Stop making one’s suffering as "aesthetics”. People are fighting for their lives, why are you selling gifts?”, while another user @syereheife simply said "Taking advantage of those in hardships”.
This is not the first time a Malaysian fashion brand has used Palestinian elements in its products where just last year in May during the height of the Sheikh Jarrah siege where Israel ordered six Palestinian families to leave their homes there to make way for Jewish settlers.
TudungPeople launched the Wayfarer Palestine hijab collection and stated that all production costs were fully borne by them and would begging 100 per cent of the profits to the Palestine Humaniatrian Fund.