Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Year of the Snake
Constructor: Zhouqin Burnikel
Editor: Amanda Rafkin
OTIS (56D: Milo's canine companion) The Adventures of Milo and OTIS is a 1986 Japanese movie about an orange tabby cat named Milo and a pug named OTIS. An English-language version of the movie, narrated by Dudley Moore, was released in 1989. My cat, Willow, is delighted to learn about Milo. She's reserving judgment about OTIS until she has more information.
MILAN (5A: City where Prada was founded) Milan is the second-largest city in Italy, following Rome, the country's capital. MILAN is considered the fashion capital of Italy. The luxury fashion house Prada was founded in MILAN in 1913 by Mario Prada.
ULNA (17A: Elbow-to-wrist bone) Humans have two elbow-to-wrist bones, the ULNA and the radius. ULNA is, of course, the one that fits here.
PASTA (18A: Orzo or orecchiette) Orzo is rice-shaped PASTA. Orecchiette is a small PASTA that derives its name from the Italian words for "ear" (orechhia) and "small" (-etta).
PIT BULL TERRIER (20A: Medium-sized muscular dog) The PIT BULL TERRIER is one of multiple dog breeds that are sometimes referred to as PIT BULLs (which isn't a breed classification). PIT BULL TERRIERs are a cross between bulldogs and TERRIERs. These dogs often get a bad rap for being aggressive, as some of them have historically been bred to fight, but breed isn't an indicator of aggression. PIT BULL TERRIERs are playful, intelligent, and friendly.
TEA (23A: Drink served with lo mai gai) Lo mai gai is a dish in Chinese cuisine. It consists of glutinous rice filled with chicken and other ingredients, which are wrapped in a grape leaf or dried lotus leaf, and then steamed.
LAOS (42A: Asian country home to the Pha That Luang temple) LAOS is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Its capital is Vientiane. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist stupa (a mound-like building used as a place of meditation) in Vientiane, LAOS.
HYDE (45A: Jekyll's evil side) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HYDE first appeared as characters in the 1886 novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HYDE. Mr. HYDE was the evil alter ego of Dr. Jekyll. These characters have appeared in numerous adaptations of the novella.
TAHOE (61A: Lake sacred to the Washoe) The Washoe are Indigenous people who have lived in the area around Lake TAHOE (which is located on the California-Nevada border) for thousands of years. The name of Lake TAHOE is derived from the Washo word for lake. (Washo is the language spoken by the Washoe people.)
LEAD (65A: Element with the symbol Pb) The chemical symbol of LEAD is derived from the Latin word, "plumbum." I'm always happy to see science clues in the puzzle.
ANTS (66A: Insects with a sweet tooth) This clue made me smile, because I've never thought about ANTS' preference for sweet foods as a "sweet tooth," but it certainly fits. Not all ANTS have a sweet tooth, some ANTS prefer salty foods or protein or fat. Many species of ANTS are exceptional at detecting sugar, which provides energy for them.
OSLO (68A: Capital city with the world's oldest ski museum) Our crossword friend OSLO (making its second appearance of the year today) is the capital of Norway. OSLO is home to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, which includes an exhibition of 2,500 pairs of skis.
PARMESAN (38A: Substitute for Pecorino Romano) PARMESAN and Pecorino Romano are hard Italian cheeses. PARMESAN is made from cow's milk, while Pecorino Romano is made from sheep's milk.
HE'S (45D: "___ Just Not That Into You") HE'S Just Not That Into You is a 2004 self-help book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. The book was adapted into a 2009 movie of the same name.
MEZCAL (48D: Smoky agave liquor) The sap of the agave plant is fermented to make an alcoholic beverage called pulque, which is distilled to produce the spirit, MEZCAL. Tequila is MEZCAL made from a variety of the plant known as blue agave. All tequila is MEZCAL, but not all mezcal is tequila.
A LA (60D: Arroz ___ cubana) Arroz A LA cubana is a rice dish that originated in Cuba, and typically consists of white rice, tomato sauce, and a fried egg. The dish often includes a fried plantain as well.
A few other clues I especially liked:
SANDS (67A: Smooths with gritty paper)
RELIEF (2D: "Load off your mind" feeling)
LOST (7D: In need of directions)
PIT BULL TERRIER (20A: Medium-sized muscular dog)
PLANT MANAGER (38A: One overseeing an assembly line)
EYES ON THE PRIZE (55A: "Focus on your goal!")
YEAR OF THE SNAKE: The first word of each theme answer can be paired with the word SNAKE. This gives us SNAKE PIT, SNAKE PLANT, and SNAKE EYES.
I've been looking forward to this puzzle. Today is the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, and Zhouqin often does a puzzle to mark this holiday. You can read my synopses of past puzzles: "Happy Spring Festival" (2021), "Year of the Tiger" (2022), "Year of the Rabbit" (2023). I'm noticing we didn't get a puzzle last year for Year of the Dragon, so I'm especially happy to see today's puzzle. As of today, we are in the "Year of the Snake." Thank you, Zhouqin, for this timely puzzle.
As a bonus, I'm sharing a picture of my SNAKE PLANT with you. It got so tall, we had to take it off of the plant stand and set it on the floor.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crossword Blog & Answers for January 29, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
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When Prada sent several pairs of brown sandals with distinctive toe rings and intricate stitching down its menswear runway in Milan last month, observers were quick to point out their resemblance to a centuries-old piece of Indian heritage. The storied Italian fashion house may have presented the shoes as a new luxury creation, but many in India simply saw a pair of Kolhapuri chappals — traditional hand-crafted sandals with roots stretching back to the 12th or 13th century. Prada's initial failure to acknowledge the inspiration behind the shoes, which had earlier been described by the brand simply as 'leather flat sandals,' according to the Guardian, sparked fierce and ongoing debate over cultural appropriation. Critics accused the label of erasing the legacy of Indian artisans, with voices across social media calling out what they saw as blatant design theft. Within a week, Prada had acknowledged in a letter to an Indian trade group that the sandals in its men's Spring-Summer 2026 collection were indeed 'inspired by traditional Indian footwear.' In a statement to CNN, the brand said it has 'always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design.' Prada later added that it had met artisanal footwear manufacturers in India 'to discuss potential opportunities for future collaboration.' Prada's readiness to confront the controversy could be a reflection of the fashion industry's growing interest in India's luxury consumers — and a reluctance to anger them. But the episode also epitomizes how Western labels have often struggled to meaningfully engage with the country's crafts and culture. India's luxury market is on a dramatic ascent, estimated to expand from $7.73 billion in 2023 to $11.3 billion by 2028 — a rate that would likely outpace most of the world's major luxury markets, according to global consulting firm Kearney. This projected growth is fueled by a rising middle class, increased urbanization and a new generation of brand-conscious, internationally minded young consumers. But today's Indian luxury consumer is 'no longer a singular archetype,' according to the celebrated Indian fashion designer Gaurav Gupta. 'We're seeing a beautifully diverse audience, from second-gen industrialist families to first-gen digital entrepreneurs, artists and global citizens — who are all looking for something deeper than just a logo,' he said in an email. Major brands have been investing heavily in response. Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Valentino are among the fashion houses that have opened flagship stores in Mumbai or Delhi in the last three years. Others have collaborated with Indian labels or creatives on designs intended to speak more authentically to local audiences. Some of these brands are 'adapting beautifully,' Gupta said, but the 'real disconnect happens when brands view India as a commercial opportunity rather than a cultural dialogue,' he added. 'The Indian buyer wants to feel seen. It's no longer enough to just open a flagship in Mumbai, you need to speak the emotional and visual language of the market.' Indian inspiration is as essential to Western fashion as pajamas and Madras plaid. But accusations of cultural appropriation have intensified in recent years due to the growth of internet access in the country, the rise of social media platforms and a surging sense of cultural pride. 'A lot of Indian people, including designers and artisans, are aware of their rights,' said Toolika Gupta (no relation), director at the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD) in Jaipur, in an email, adding: 'They want acknowledgement of their legacy.' In 2019, fashion house Gucci sparked controversy with its 'Indy Full Turban,' sold for $790 on Nordstrom's website. The blue headpiece closely resembled the traditional Sikh turban, prompting backlash from Sikh communities in India and elsewhere. It was eventually removed from the website, with Nordstrom quickly apologizing amid the backlash. Just this year, the clothing company Reformation was criticized for selling a blouse, skirt and scarf that reminded many South Asians of the lehenga, an Indian garment consisting of a long skirt, top and a dupatta (scarf), a staple of Indian fashion for centuries and typically draped across a woman's chest. Some took issue with Reformation's lack of acknowledgement for the garment. One TikTok user joked: 'My girl is about to go strut the streets of India… Give credit where credit is due, this is literally a lehenga with a dupatta.' She also noted that the pastel-colored blouse, skirt and scarf were strikingly similar to lehengas worn by Bollywood celebrities in the early 2000s. In a statement to The Washington Post, Reformation said the design in question was inspired by a 1990s-era John Galliano gown and scarf set owned by the model Devon Lee Carlson, with whom it collaborated on the collection. just my thoughts on these pieces from the ref x devon collab #greenscreen #reformation #browngirl #browngirltiktok #lehenga #dupatta #devonlee #fashion #springfashion #indianoutfits #southasian #southasianfashion #jhumkas #ibizaoutfits #scarves H&M, meanwhile, recently came under fire for a sleeveless sheer 'long camisole' top and trouser set that many social media users likened to the salwar kameez, a traditional Indian tunic and pant. In a statement to CNN, H&M said the design took 'inspiration from current fashion trends like dresses layered over pants and the popularity of sheer pieces, as well as various plays on transparency and movement.' It's not just labels that have sparked controversy. Frustration spilled onto TikTok last year after the fashion rental company Bipty posted a now-deleted video featuring White women wearing sheer shawls draped across their chests, describing the look as 'very European effortlessly chic.' South Asian users on the platform immediately noted the similarities between the shawl and a dupatta. Many posted their own videos draping dupattas and mockingly dubbing them 'Scandinavian scarves,' using humor and irony to highlight the apparent erasure and misrepresentation of Indian heritage. Bipty did not respond to CNN's request for comment. 'With Instagram receipts and Gen Z rage, the tolerance for bad takes is zero,' the anonymous commentator behind the popular Instagram account Diet Sabya wrote in an email to CNN. (Diet Sabya, which draws inspiration from the established social account Diet Prada, often highlights fashion industry missteps, including cultural appropriation.) 'What once went unnoticed or unchallenged is now getting called out in real-time,' the email added. 'Someone in Delhi has the same access to discourse as someone in London. So, when a show uses a sacred motif incorrectly, the backlash is fast, loud and fully deserved.' High fashion's relationship with Indian artisans stretches back to at least the 17th century, when Europe's royal tailors sought out textiles like cotton and silk from the subcontinent. Over centuries, this cross-continental exchange has transformed Indian motifs from prized curiosities into ubiquitous elements of Western style. According to IICD's Gupta, textiles such as chintz and paisley are deeply rooted in India's rich artistic traditions and have long inspired global fashion, though their origins are now frequently overlooked. But India is not just a source of inspiration for luxury fashion — it's also an integral part of its supply chains. Today, a significant segment of the industry's manufacturing is outsourced to ateliers, embroiderers and textile producers in India. Yet, despite Indian artisans' foundational role, their creations are often shipped to Europe for final assembly and can thus be labeled as being 'made' in Europe. This kind of erasure, according to Imran Amed, founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the industry publication The Business of Fashion, has 'reduced India to a manufacturing hub while Europe gets the cultural and economic credit.' 'In India, where craft is livelihood for millions, this distinction matters even more. It's not just about symbolism — it's about economic justice and dignity,' he said via email. The backlash Prada faced 'wasn't just about a sandal,' Amed added. 'It was a broader reaction to a long history of erasure and under-acknowledgment.' Homegrown designers are helping to change things. Indian fashion is having a striking impact on red carpets worldwide — and not only on the backs of Bollywood stars. Western celebrities are increasingly embracing Indian designers, too. Cardi B wore a custom-made, electric blue, hooded sculptural gown by Gaurav Gupta to the 2023 Grammys, while Zendaya walked the carpet in a shimmering, hand-embroidered blue sari gown by Rahul Mishra at a high-profile event in Mumbai months earlier. Kim Kardashian, meanwhile, has worn designs by the likes of Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who last year became the first Indian fashion designer to attend the exclusive Met Gala in New York. 'It's a powerful shift, almost like we're reclaiming our own narrative,' Gaurav Gupta told CNN. 'Designers from India are now presenting on the global stage not as 'ethnic' alternatives, but as innovators with our own language, our own shapes, our own ideologies. We're not adapting to fit in anymore; we're expressing to stand out.' For many Indians, the Kolhapuri chappals that Prada said it was 'inspired' by represent the ingenuity and artistry of Kolhapur, a historic city nestled in the country's western Maharashtra state. Typically crafted from locally sourced buffalo hide and tanned using traditional vegetable dyes, the sandals could effectively withstand the relentless heat and rugged terrain of the Deccan Plateau. The distinctive toe loop, which is attached to the T-strap, helped keep them close to the wearers' feet. Cutting across generational and social divides, the Kolhapuri chappal embodies both the enduring spirit of rural India and a bridge to contemporary fashion. The shoe is protected by a coveted 'geographical indication' tag — like the one ensuring Champagne is only produced in France's Champagne region — that, in theory, safeguards this symbol of Indian heritage from copycats. 'It's something truly Indian,' said Shubhika Sharma, the prominent Indian fashion designer and founder of the label Papa Don't Preach, in a video interview. Prada's initial failure to acknowledge the Indian artisans behind the design amounted to a 'missed opportunity for Indian craftsmanship,' Sharma added. About 10,000 artisan families in Kolhapur are engaged in the chappal trade, according to local media reports, though many of them struggle in poor conditions and earn low wages. In India, Kolhapuri chappals can retail for as little as $5 or as much as $100, depending on the quality of leather and level of craftsmanship. While Prada's sandals had not hit the market at the time of last month's controversy, the luxury fashion house's shoes typically retail at prices ranging from $700 to well over $2,000. For Sharma, 'everything just boils down to respect,' she said. 'Was due respect given to the creator, to the person who originated it, to the culture that originated it?' Some Western labels have proven better at engaging with Indian audiences than others. In 2023, Dior made headlines by hosting a landmark runway show at Mumbai's historic Gateway of India, unveiling a Pre-Fall collection that celebrated the subcontinent's artistry. The collection featured Banarasi brocade, mirror work, tie-dye detailing, Nehru collars and kurta tailoring — motifs deeply rooted in Indian tradition and craftsmanship. Many of the embroideries and textiles on the runway were made by the Mumbai atelier Chanakya International, which was credited for its role. The show was widely hailed as a respectful homage, with Vogue India's fashion director Anaita Shroff Adajania describing it as 'a thank you to India.' Amed, from The Business of Fashion, meanwhile, called the collaboration between Chanakya International and Maria Grazia Chiuri, then Dior's creative director, as 'thoughtful… not performative,' adding: 'Chiuri hasn't just sourced embroidery from India; she's spotlighted the artisans, acknowledged the lineage of the craft, and in doing so, helped shift perceptions of where luxury value is created.' Similarly, last month, Nike launched its first collaboration with an Indian fashion label, the Delhi-based brand NorBlack NorWhite, unveiling a vibrant range of sportswear inspired by ancient tie-dye techniques. The move was broadly celebrated by social media users in India, a country in which Nike has long struggled to make commercial inroads. For Diet Sabya's founder, however, much more must be done to ensure genuine recognition for Indian talent and traditions. 'When India is being eyed as the next big luxury market, you can't keep treating it like an exotic pitstop,' they said. 'While a few brands are finally acknowledging us as the global textile powerhouse we are — it's still crumbs. Visibility is a start. But equity is the end goal.'
