Marks & Spencer’s much contested burkah bikini hybrid has sold out, according to The Independent.
The burkini swimwear collection which launched in March was criticised in the French market by the country’s women‘s rights minister Laurence Rossignol and fashion tycoon Pierre Bergé, but it was well received in Britian.
While it has been available for the last three years in Dubai and Libya stores, became available for the first time in M&S‘ London flagship store in Marble Arch last year and online earlier this year.
Despite being designed for Muslim women, the garment has also proven popular with non-Muslim women who claim it is practical for not reapplying sunscreen after swimming.
RELATED: Marks & Spencer staff urged to join union over pay row
Having been banned by the French Government for the reason of “enslaving women”, over 40 per cent of its buyers are non-Muslim women, Australian-Lebanese designer Ahiida Zanetti told the Indy 100.
“The burkini swimsuit was never a type of swimsuit to symbolise a Muslim woman,” she said.
“I took away the traditional veil which did symbolise a Muslim woman, and replaced it with a hood type of top to blend in and integrate within Australian culture and lifestyle.
“It was also meant to be worn by all women no matter what race, religion, shape, colour and for whatever reason.”
Other high street retailers including Uniqlo, House of Fraser, Zara, Mango and H&M also sell items especially designed to cater for Muslim consumers.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter
