Australian-Lebanese designer denounces ban on burkini swimsuit which allows women to break their isolation

In an interesting feature today, Al Hayat newspaper tackled the recent crackdown on the burkini full body swimsuit for women designed by an Australian Lebanese designer, pointing to the mounting furor in France under the pretext of secularism, security or gender equality. The newspaper wrote that Aheda Zanetti, owner of the trademark burkini and employer of tens of workers, has spelled out her surprise towards the disparaging and silly controversy criticizing or supporting her line of fashion. “Every person has the right to express themselves the way they choose, as long as it does not harm other people,” Aheda maintained. Some people, she added, have a preference for the culture of nudity while others opt for decency, which she explained, “does not mean isolation from society.” While the swim wear is designed for Muslim women, it does not clash with western culture, Al Hayat cited Zanetti as saying, mentioning that the burkini allows Muslim women to “mix with others, enjoy swimming and the beach and live the joy of freedom.” “I cannot understand the reason behind this antagonist campaign which inspires women to enjoy the sun and light,” Zanetti said, pointing out that the idea for the design emanated from a need and desire shared by many Muslim women living in the West and wanting to practice water sports. She categorically denied any political or extremist grounds behind her creation, stressing that the burkini gives way to a fair blend between Muslim and Occidental cultures. “Freedom, flexibility and confidence combined best describe the design launched back in 2004 before becoming a swimwear on demand by women across the globe,” Aheda boasted. In conclusion, Zanetti told Al Hayat reporter that the made up rumpus against the burkini shall not affect its trade; on the contrary, it has attracted more publicity for her products with sales soaring by 40% (some 700 pieces have been sold between 2007 and 2016). (Al Hayat, August 25, 2016)