Kolhapuri Chappals Walk The Prada Runway. Without Any Credit To India, Unsurprisingly
The fashion world is finally catching on: India isn't just watching the runway, it's setting the trends.
From designers like Sabyasachi and Rahul Mishra lighting up international fashion weeks to Indian motifs making their way into high fashion editorials, there's no denying it -- India is having a moment. But ask the Internet and fashion insiders, and they'll tell you one thing: the global industry still hasn't learned how to say "credit where it's due". Especially when it comes to anything 'inspired by' India.
Take the latest fashion lookback. What's being paraded as cutting-edge often feels suspiciously familiar. From dupattas rebranded as "Scandinavian scarves" to lehengas styled as Y2K maxi skirts, to Gucci calling Alia Bhatt's Cannes saree look, a gown; the West seems to be falling in love with Indian fashion... but conveniently forgetting to mention it.
And now, the humble Kolhapuri chappal has entered the global chat.
What
Yes, those Kolhapuris. The iconic, hand-stitched leather sandals that trace their roots back to 12th or 13th century Maharashtra have walked their way onto the global stage, thanks to none other than Prada.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Prada (@prada)
The Italian luxury label unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection in a dramatic, meaning-defying showcase curated by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. With 56 looks in total, the show leaned hard into contrasts -- think brown leather jackets paired with briefs, and grey suits layered over red turtlenecks. The theme? "A shift of attitude - dismantling of meaning, and dismantling power."
But there was little shift of attitude when it came to mentioning India. While the fashion crowd tried to decode the chaos, Indian viewers had laser focus -- four of the models were wearing what unmistakably looked like Kolhapuri chappals.
A Legacy In Leather
Here's a quick crash course on these chappal s: Kolhapuris are not just footwear, they're tradition stitched in leather. Originally crafted by skilled cobblers in the Kolhapur region, they gained fame for their durability, unique design and comfort. In the 18th century, King Shahu Maharaj himself helped popularise them, elevating their status beyond the local bazaar.
Kholapuri chappal s are a favourite with not only influcencers, but Bollywood too. Today, you'll find Kolhapuris everywhere -- from street style to designer racks. And now, it seems, the Prada runway in Milan as well.
But is this global love letter to Indian footwear authentic appreciation, or yet another case of fashion whitewashing?
Mixed Reactions Online
While some users celebrated the global spotlight on Indian craftsmanship, others weren't impressed. Many called it a repeat of the infamous "Scandinavian scarf" episode -- when Western brands styled a chunni and called it Nordic minimalism.
"Prada SS26 includes Kolhapuri chappal, which originated from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, and is known for its intricate design and craftsmanship. Just like the 'Scandinavian scarves', the Western fashion industry is ripping off Indian fashion again," read one sharp comment on X.
Here's what the internet had to say:
It's not the first time a luxury brand has borrowed -- or outright lifted -- from Indian heritage. And while some argue that fashion has always been about borrowing and blending, the lack of attribution still stings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
35 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Harbhajan Singh and Rohit Sharma call out Shikhar Dhawan's shagun prank: ‘It was totally empty'
At the launch of Who's The Boss?, a new YouTube talk show hosted by Harbhajan Singh and his wife Geeta Basra, the veteran off-spinner took a humorous dig at former teammate Shikhar Dhawan, sharing an anecdote from his 2015 wedding. Rohit Sharma soon pitched in, sharing how the cricketer had come to his and Sajdeh's wedding empty-handed. He states that Dhawan simply 'did a little dance and left.' Keep reading to find out what exactly they said. Dhawan's shagun prank leaves Harbhajan stunned According to Harbhajan Singh, Dhawan came to the celebration in Jalandhar, indulged in the food and festivities, and danced to his heart's content, stating, 'He danced loads, ate, drank, had an absolute blast.' Dhawan then slyly slipped a seemingly generous envelope into Harbhajan's pocket. 'When I opened it later,' Harbhajan said, 'not even 101 rupees, it didn't even have one rupee. It was totally empty!' This comes as a part of 'shagun,' an Indian wedding custom where guests gift money as a way to bless the couple. This is given in an envelope with cash and a symbolic one-rupee coin. Dhawan's envelope, however, was purely decorative. The tale left everyone laughing, especially after Harbhajan turned to Rohit Sharma and asked if he had received an empty envelope too. Rohit's response was equally blunt and comical: 'Kuch nahi. Naachke, khaake, aur peeke gaya tha,' which translates to 'Nothing. He danced, ate, drank, and just left.' Long-time teammates share their unforgettable memories While the story offered a laugh at Dhawan's expense, both Harbhajan and Rohit were quick to clarify that the good-natured ribbing came from a place of affection. Rohit, who married Ritika Sajdeh just weeks after Harbhajan, praised Dhawan as a 'class' individual and a dear friend. Rohit and Dhawan's friendship has always extended beyond just wedding halls, as Rohit recalled their childhood years playing together. He reminisced about how they had also toured with India A before even earning their national caps. As one of India's most successful opening pairs, the two cricketers have accumulated 5,148 runs in ODIs. They are the fourth-highest in history and the second-best for an Indian duo, according to New18. Though Dhawan retired in 2024, his antics—and absence of shagun—have left memories that Rohit and Harbhajan will laugh about for years.
Mint
41 minutes ago
- Mint
Anupam Khers directorial Tanvi The Great receives standing ovation at premiere in Houstan
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Legendary actor Anupam Kher's directorial 'Tanvi The Great' has been garnering attention with its multiple premieres in different countries. After Cannes and London, Kher now treated the US audience to his labour of love. On Monday, the film's gala premiere was organised in Houston, where Kher received a standing ovation. Expressing gratitude to the audience, Kher on Instagram wrote, "Thank you #Houston for that resounding STANDING OVATION to our film #TanviTheGreat. We are humbled, overjoyed and overwhelmed by your love, warmth and appreciation! Your response has given wings to our dreams! Thank you @rajendersingh1122 for being the perfect host as always. Please continue with your support and love. Our film releases on 18th July! Tanvi will certainly change your world. For better! #Premiere #NorthAmerica." Earlier, Kher recently opened up about the reaction received by the audience at the Cannes film festival on the world premiere of his 'Tanvi The Great'. While speaking to ANI, Kher said he was "overwhelmed" by how deeply the crowd connected with the film. The actor also shared how people in the theatre clapped, laughed, cried, and stayed back to ask questions after the screening."I was very overwhelmed by the reaction of people. They were clapping in between because the theme of the film resonated with them. They were crying, laughing at the end of the film. They didn't want to leave. They were asking questions. It's a beautiful feeling." When asked what the recognition means to him and his team, especially after the struggles the film faced during its making, Kher said, "The success of the film on an international platform like Cannes and then in London proves that if you do something with conviction against all odds, it is the most gratifying feeling, and it will reach people's hearts. The film was made with great difficulty because people who were supposed to finance the film backed out at the last minute, but then I said, 'I have to make it because it's my conviction." 'Tanvi The Great' follows 21-year-old Tanvi Raina, a woman with autism who discovers her late Indian Army officer father's unfulfilled dream--to stand at Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, and salute the Indian flag. Despite societal pushback and institutional barriers against autistic recruits in the military, she becomes determined to fulfil this mission, according to Variety. The film stars debutant Subhangi Dutt in the lead role. Karan Tacker, Boman Irani and Anupam Kher also plays a prominent roles in the film. The movie is set to release on July 18. (ANI)
Mint
41 minutes ago
- Mint
Rekha's iconic 'Umrao Jaan' to return to theatres on THIS date, Priyanka Chopra calls it 'a legendary night'
The timeless courtesan of Lucknow is ready to mesmerise a new generation of film lovers. 'Umrao Jaan', Muzaffar Ali's iconic 1981 cinematic gem, will return to theatres on June 27 in a digitally restored format, courtesy of the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India. The revival falls under the ambit of the National Film Heritage Mission, making it a landmark event for lovers of classic Indian cinema. Among the many admirers of 'Umrao Jaan' is global icon Priyanka Chopra, who took to Instagram to share her admiration and sorrow at not being able to attend the re-release. Sharing a clip from the film, which features Rekha, Farooque Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah, she wrote, 'So sad to not be there to support my favourite movie and actors. It will be a legendary night. Congratulations Re ma'am #RekhaMaam #NaseeruddinShah sir (sic).' At the soul of 'Umrao Jaan' lies Rekha's masterful portrayal of the 19th-century tawaif and poetess. Her performance won her the National Award for Best Actress, and her transformation into the melancholic yet dignified Umrao has become the stuff of cinematic legend. Reflecting on her preparation and performance, director Muzaffar Ali told Screen, 'She had to prepare on many levels—language, singing, dancing. Yes, there were people to guide her, but she performed beyond expectations.' 'Working with her was a gift because this film is woven from quiet emotions. And it takes an actor like her to absorb those feelings and translate them onto the screen,' added Muzaffar Ali. From her nuanced expressions to her graceful kathak routines, Rekha didn't just act—she embodied Umrao Jaan. Her presence, combined with the poignant poetry and soul-stirring music, continues to resonate across generations. Adapted from Mirza Hadi Ruswa's 1899 Urdu novel 'Umrao Jaan Ada', the film narrates the transformation of Amiran, a kidnapped girl sold into a Lucknow kotha, who evolves into the legendary courtesan and poetess Umrao Jaan. Her entanglements with three men - played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah - explore the delicate interplay of love, longing, and loss. As audiences prepare to rediscover 'Umrao Jaan' in a new light, this re-release is not just a restoration of a film—it is a resurrection of feeling, memory, and art.
