Rs 1.2 lakh for Kolhapuri chappals! Prada slammed for 'cultural theft', netizens say 'stop stealing our art'
A model presents a creation from Prada Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection during the Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, June 22, 2025 wearing the so called 'leather flat sandals'.
Prada's recent showcase in Milan featured sandals strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals, priced at ₹1.2 lakh. The luxury brand faces backlash for cultural appropriation, failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans and heritage behind the design. Critics accuse Prada of cultural theft, demanding recognition and respect for the craft's origins.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Would you shell out ₹1.2 lakh for a pair of Kolhapuri chappals?That's exactly what Italian luxury fashion house Prada is asking—except they're calling them 'leather flat sandals' and offering no credit to the original Indian artisans.At Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 showcase in Milan, at least seven of the 56 runway looks featured sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Kolhapuris—complete with tan leather, thin straps, and toe rings. Media reports say the sandals are priced at a jaw-dropping ₹1.16 lakh.Led by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the luxury label even handed out leather "ring" tokens at the event, highlighting the toe-loop design that is a signature element of the Kolhapuri chappal. Yet, not once did the brand acknowledge the footwear's origins or the generations of Indian artisans who have kept this craft alive.The move has reignited the conversation around cultural appropriation in fashion—particularly how global luxury brands often adopt traditional designs without giving credit or financial support to their original creators.The backlash online was swift and sharp.'Prada is selling Kolhapuri chappals for ₹1.2 lakh,' one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. 'These handcrafted chappals—part of Maharashtra's legacy—sell for ₹300–₹1500 in Kolhapur's markets. Prada slaps on a logo, calls them 'leather sandals,' and erases their cultural roots. It's not luxury, it's theft.'Another user pointed out, 'This design was stolen from the Chamar community of India, who've handcrafted these for generations. No credit. No acknowledgment. Just pure cultural theft dressed in luxury branding.'A third voice added: '@Prada, you've taken our Kolhapuri footwear but won't even name it. For generations, we've poured our soul into this craft. It's not just footwear—it's our identity. Give us the respect we deserve or stop stealing our art.'As the controversy grows, many are calling for global fashion houses to recognize the cultural significance of traditional designs and share credit—and profits—with the communities that create them.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez Take Over Venice Hotel For Wedding, Guests 'Thrown Out': Report
Guests at the ultra-luxury Aman Venice hotel were reportedly asked to vacate their rooms as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez rented out the entire property for their high-profile wedding in the Italian city, according to a report by Page Six. Citing an unnamed insider, the report described a scene of 'chaos" in the hotel lobby as security teams began sweeping the premises. The source said, as per the outlet, 'Ten or twelve security guys were doing a sweep, checking cabinets and the courtyard", adding that several guests were questioned about their reservations and some were asked to leave. 'Guests who had previously booked [at] the hotel for Wednesday night a long time in advance were booted once Bezos rented the entire space a few months ago," the insider told the outlet. The affected people were reportedly relocated to other luxury hotels, with Aman Venice covering the cost of transport, an upgraded room and a free night's stay. Venue Switch After Protests The wedding venue underwent a dramatic change as originally it was set to be held at the opulent 16th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia. The main reception has now been moved to the Arsenale- a historic Venetian shipyard- following threats of disruption by local activists. Protesters had reportedly planned to release inflatable crocodiles into Venice's canals to protest the billionaire's extravagant celebrations. Despite the change in plans, the guest list remains star-studded, with names like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Barbra Streisand and Leonardo DiCaprio expected to attend.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 Gets Pakistan Release; Indian Fans Outraged: 'This Is Shameful'
Last Updated: The decision to release the movie, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, in Pakistan has sparked massive outrage online, with Diljit's Indian fans calling the move 'shameful'. In a move that has left fans across India shocked and disappointed, Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 is set to release in Pakistan on June 27, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. The decision to release the movie, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, in Pakistan has sparked massive outrage online, with Diljit's Indian fans calling the move 'shameful" and 'disrespectful," especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, where 26 innocent civilians were killed. Screenshots of theatre listings from Pakistani cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Sialkot have now gone viral on social media, confirming that Sardaar Ji 3 will have a full-fledged theatrical run across the border. The controversy has prompted not just from the film's release but also from the casting of Hania Aamir at a time when Indian film bodies have taken a hard stance against working with Pakistani artists. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which has historically protested such collaborations, reiterated its demand for a ban on Pakistani talent after the recent terror attack. The film's trailer is also not accessible in India. Users attempting to watch it on YouTube are met with the message: 'This video is not available in your country." Despite the uproar, the producers released a statement claiming that the film had been shot 'well before the prevailing situation," and that Hania was cast before the Pahalgam tragedy. 'We had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune," the statement read, describing the decision as one made out of 'solidarity" with the country. But fans aren't buying it. Diljit, who commands a massive fan base in India and overseas, is being called out for continuing to promote the film while remaining silent on the backlash. Instagram comment sections on his recent posts are flooded with disappointment. 'Shame on you, Diljit," wrote one user. 'Boycott Sardaar Ji 3," said another. A third added, 'Country first. You lost a fan today." This has opened a fresh debate about celebrity accountability in times of national distress. Actor Suniel Shetty recently took a strong stance supporting the ban on Pakistani artists, saying, 'Art and cricket can't happen with people who kill our innocents." Similarly, actor Harshvardhan Rane decided to exit the upcoming Sanam Teri Kasam 2 over the possible inclusion of Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. The producers eventually confirmed her removal from the cast, bowing to the growing public sentiment. In stark contrast, Diljit's continued association with Sardaar Ji 3 and his support for its overseas release even in Pakistan has upset many. What's added more fuel to the fire is that the film doesn't just feature Hania Aamir but several other Pakistani actors, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, are also part of the ensemble. Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 is a horror-comedy that revolves around ghost hunters (played by Diljit and Hania) tackling supernatural events in a haunted UK mansion. Neeru Bajwa also stars in a pivotal role. In his first comment on the issue, Diljit told BBC Asian Network, 'Jab yeh film bani thi, tab sab theek tha… Producers ka paisa laga hua hai… Film bann chuki thi before tensions started." He added that he supports the producers' decision to release it overseas, acknowledging the financial risks they face. FWICE has now urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny a release certificate to Sardaar Ji 3, claiming that the film goes 'against national interest." While the film may be finding screens in foreign markets, its rejection in its home country by both institutions and fans sends a loud and clear message. The incident has raised some urgent questions – Can art really remain apolitical in the face of terrorism? Should filmmakers and stars be more conscious of the broader national implications of their decisions? It remains to be seen whether Diljit will break his silence and confront the backlash head-on or if the controversy will continue to snowball. First Published:
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
"Listening is most powerful parenting tool": Kajol gets candid before 'Maa' release
As she gears up for the release of her mythological horror debut 'Maa', actress Kajol opens up about a different kind of fear--one that every mother knows too well. As she gears up for the release of her mythological horror debut 'Maa', actress Kajol opens up about a different kind of fear--one that every mother knows too well. In a conversation with ANI, she shared her perspective on motherhood, the delicate balance between protection and independence, and the deeply personal experiences that resonate with her latest role. When asked how she balances protecting her children and allowing them to face their own fears, Kajol reflected with the grounded wisdom of experience: "My children are much older now. I have taught them a lot of skills. So now I will have to trust my upbringing. Look, I have taught you for so long, now it's time for you to learn your lesson and to practise it." It's a philosophy of parenting that echoes the essence of 'Maa'--a film about a mother fighting ancient evils to protect her daughter. But in real life, Kajol believes parenting teenagers is as much about listening as it is about guiding. "Sometimes just listening to them makes them also see your point of view and makes you also see their point of view. So, I guess listening is the most powerful parenting tool," she said. Speaking about the most vulnerable period of motherhood, Kajol offered a moving reflection. "The first day that the child is born in this world is the first day that the mother is born in the world as well." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Describing those initial few months as the toughest, Kajol revealed the immense pressure mothers face to prove their worth, both to themselves and to the world. "There's a pressure on a mother that... no one can question me whether I am a good mother or not. You have to do superhuman things like not sleeping for six months and still have a happy face," Kajol said. In a way, that relentless strength mirrors her upcoming role in 'Maa', where Kajol plays a mother confronting supernatural forces rooted in mythology, grief, and legacy. Directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Jio Studios, 'Maa' is a unique entry in Indian cinema. The film marks Kajol's first foray into the horror genre and brings with it a compelling narrative: a mother-daughter road trip gone horribly wrong after they encounter a cursed tree haunted by ancient spirits. With a stellar cast featuring Ronit Roy , Indraneil Sengupta , Yaaneea Bharadwaj , and Surjyasikha Das, Maa blends mythology and horror to deliver a gripping emotional journey. The film is slated to release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali on June 27, 2025.
