Photos: #TakeOffJustLogo protests over Roberto Cavalli’s use of Sufi symbol come to Vancouver

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      Protests over fashion designer Roberto Cavalli's use of a logo similar to a symbol of a school of Sufism have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, and London. Before Vancouver's #TakeOffJustLogo rally on July 12, supporters of the campaign bombarded local media outlets with requests for coverage on social media.

      Afterward, California-based campaign organizer Nasim Bahadorani sent us these photos of the protest in downtown Vancouver. Bahadorani's email states:

      The #TakeOffJustLogo campaign is not just about a sacred symbol being used explicitly in ads or on perfume bottles. The main problem is that the “Just Cavalli” logo is a trademarked symbol of M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi that is being used by Roberto Cavalli. The fact that a 27 year trademarked symbol is being used at all is the issue at hand. The Just Cavalli logo is causing confusion to people as it is almost identical to M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi’s trademarked sacred emblem.

      According to the Daily Mail, the European Union has rejected a request by Sufi Muslims to stop Cavalli from using the logo. The U.K.-based newspaper quoted a spokesperson as saying the company hopes the EU ruling will "convince the Sufist religion of the complete good faith and the groundlessness of their requests".

      Comments

      37 Comments

      Simon

      Jul 14, 2014 at 12:16pm

      We can see. No one cares.

      Bradley

      Jul 14, 2014 at 12:52pm

      "Someone would love to have my first world problems"

      blah

      Jul 14, 2014 at 1:34pm

      Must not be any real problems in the world today. Oh wait, this is Vancouver --- right!!

      RUK

      Jul 14, 2014 at 3:25pm

      How do you trademark a sacred symbol?

      Also, if it is trademarked, don't you think it is trademarked for how it looks, not how it looks turned 90 degrees?

      Also also, who thinks that they even look alike? One of them has mini barbell appendages in the middle and the other one looks like a Cylon Base Star.

      Pedy

      Jul 14, 2014 at 5:18pm

      It seems to me that Mr. Cavalli has run out of creativity; using others' faith symbol, rotating it 90 degrees and trimming it a bit, using the resulted figure towards his business interests.. $$$.. After all, being creative is something, being too creative is something else.

      Shahrzad

      Jul 14, 2014 at 5:33pm

      A symbol that is sacred such as this is close to the hearts of those who believe in its meaning and value the heritage it holds. This symbol reminds those who believe in it , of the name if God, of love, of unity, spirituality and peace. It offends and hurts them if such a symbol is tarnished by sexual and provocative ads of a designer who has no creativity but to copy and rotate and has no incentive but money.
      The problem with the world today is that people don't respect the rights of others and feel entitled to violate them. Or people simply don't care...

      Caroline Wiseman

      Jul 14, 2014 at 6:36pm

      It is bad enough to insult a faith, but for Roberto Cavalli to use another's property, i.e. trademarked emblem, as his own is really dishonorable.

      Aren't fashion designers supposed to be creative? What kind of creativity is there in copying a symbol that disrespects an entire faith?

      Dan Saviers

      Jul 14, 2014 at 6:40pm

      One doesn't have to be a follower of the faith to respect trademark law. Cavalli needs to take off this symbol.

      Respect law. Respect what is sacred to people.

      Nancy

      Jul 14, 2014 at 6:42pm

      In a world of famine, war and chaos, one's faith can bring peace to one's heart. Disrespecting a symbol that represents one's faith, can be damaging to an individual and a community.

      Cavalli should be ashamed of himself.

      Semira

      Jul 14, 2014 at 7:51pm

      The meaning of this symbol and what it represents is dear and sacred to a faith group, just as the star of David is to Jewish and Cross to Christian believers. I am sure that Christians and Jews would stand up and protest just as Sufi students did if a big corporate bully tries to tarnish their sacred symbols as well,