HE is famous for his tops.
But ironically, the boss of UK fashion chain Topshop has upset Maldives politicians for throwing a birthday bash there that featured a lack of tops.
The BBC reported that a leading Maldives opposition group has criticised British tycoon Sir Philip Green after he celebrated his
55th birthday in a lavish party that featured celebrities like singers Jennifer Lopez and George Michael, and American Idol judge Simon Cowell.
The bash, which was held at the exclusive Soneva Fushi resort, allegedly featured topless dancers, a giant Buddha statue and copious amounts of champagne.
Politicians have criticised the event, saying that it was incompatible with the conservative Muslim culture of the islands.
According to the British press, the party cost an estimated US$10 million ($15m) and had a guest list of 100.
More than 500 workers were hired to set up the party venue, which featured three separate stages, pagodas, and a solid granite 11m-tall statue of the Buddha.
Guests were said to have feasted on lobster thermidor and vintage champagne while they enjoyed a cabaret performance by singer Michael.
The festivities also reportedly included a topless dance routine and a fireworks display.
Maldivian Democratic Party spokesman Ahmed Moosa has slammed the bash, saying that the outrageous celebration was completely out of place in a conservative Muslim country.
He said: 'This party was completely over the top. Maldives people are easily shocked and strong in their Muslim faith. Scantily-clad women and excessive drinking are not culturally acceptable.'
Mr Moosa stressed that his criticisms were not politically motivated.
'I think my views on this issue represent a wide cross-section of views across the country regardless of party affiliation,' he said.
Mr Moosa also criticised Sir Philip and his guests for their environmentally-unfriendly behaviour because many arrived in the Maldives by private jets.
'With so much emphasis on reducing greenhouse emissions around the world, their mode of travel - like their partying - smacks of decadence,' he said.
The Maldivian Democratic Party has also complained that the Buddha statue brought into the country for the party broke the law, which prohibits the promotion of any faith apart from Islam.
The group pointed out that thousands of migrant Sri Lankan workers are forbidden from carrying a personal Buddha in their pockets in order to respect this rule.
While the Maldives government has not commented on these criticisms, last week President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was reported to have extended birthday greetings in a telephone call to Sir Philip.
Local newspapers quoted the president as saying that Sir Philip's visit to the Maldives would help boost the country's tourism industry.
The businessman is reported to have thanked the president for his telephone call, and said that the Maldives was the most beautiful place he had ever visited.
A spokesman in Sir Philip's private office said that he was unaware of any regulations concerning the importation of Buddhas to the Maldives, and that the party was held at a private location.
Source: The Electric News
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