Latest news with #Kolhapuri-style
India Today
18 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
BJP MP seeks action against Prada for Kolhapuri Chappal GI tag violation
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to protect the Geographical Indication (GI) tag of Kolhapuri chappals after Italian fashion brand Prada showcased the traditional footwear without controversy erupted after Prada presented Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Men's Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week, pricing them at Rs 1.2 lakh without acknowledging the chappals' Indian origin, artisans, or cultural significance. Mahadik alleged this act violated the Artisan Act and disregarded India's GI chappals earned a GI tag from the Government of India in 2019, and have their roots in the 12th century. They are traditionally handcrafted by cobbler communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Mahadik said that Prada's move not only infringes on intellectual property rights but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of artisans. Calling it a direct breach of GI norms, Mahadik appealed to the state government to raise the issue at the international level and with the Centre. His son, Krishnaraj Mahadik, along with community leaders, personally handed over the letter to Chief Minister further stressed the need for immediate awareness campaigns and legal steps to safeguard the identity and heritage of Kolhapuri chappals.- EndsTrending Reel
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Has West copied Indian fashion before Prada's Kohlapuri saga? The answer is yes
When Prada recently sent out models wearing Kolhapuri-style chappals on the runway, it sparked quite the buzz. But if you think this was the first time a Western luxury brand took inspiration from India, think again. Prada's sandals are just one in a long list of fashion moments where the West has quietly borrowed and sometimes blatantly copied from Indian KOLHAPURI: FAMILIER VIBES, LUXURY PRICEThe buzz started when Italian luxury house Prada showcased leather slippers that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, open-toe, T-strap sandals that have been worn across India for centuries. The real difference? The traditional Kolhapuris sell for under Rs 500, Prada's version can go well above Rs 80,000. Social media was quick to react, with many calling it another case of 'glorified copying' by the PAUL GAULTIER'S INDIAN OBSESSION? SAREES, NATH, AND SWAGGER Before luxury labels like Prada or Louis Vuitton even flirted with Indian fashion, Jean Paul Gaultier was already having a full-blown desi romance. In 2017, his runway models sashayed in saree-inspired ensembles complete with the iconic Indian nath, a nod to both ancient maharajas and modern back in 2012, he sent turbaned male models down the catwalk, followed by a Rajasthan-meets-runway collection in 2013 that could've easily been titled 'Bollywood meets Paris Fashion Week.'CHANEL'S PARIS–BOMBAY FANTASY: A MAHARAJA'S DREAM IN GOLDadvertisementKarl Lagerfeld's 2011 pre-fall show was less fashion show, more fever dream. Grand Palais turned into a glittering Indian palace, and out came models in sari-draped couture, oversised jewels, and gold-dusted SAREE MOMENT: DRAPED IN DRAMAWay before Alia Bhatt made headlines at Cannes in a Gucci saree-ish gown, John Galliano had already tried wrapping his mind and his models around the nine-yard wonder. His Spring 2003 collection played with Indian silhouettes in that wild, theatrical way only Galliano VUITTON'S INDIAN AFFAIR: KURTAS AND SHOW SETSEarlier this year, Louis Vuitton's Men's Fall-Winter 2025 show, led by creative director Pharrell Williams, featured designs inspired by Indian silhouettes, think structured kurtas, nehru-collar jackets, and even an elaborate show set by Indian architect Bijoy entire collection paid homage to India, but again, the conversation turned to appropriation vs IN MUMBAI AND BEYONDIn 2023, Dior hosted a grand pre-fall show in Mumbai, collaborating with artisans from the Chanakya atelier and showcasing Indian embroidery. It was a rare occasion where Indian craftsmanship wasn't just behind the scenes, it was front and again, it reminded everyone that Indian handiwork has long powered Western fashion houses, in this cas yes but sometimes without always being IS A GO-TO FASHION MUSEadvertisementIt's not hard to see why India keeps showing up in Western collections. The country has centuries of textile history, techniques like block printing, zardozi, and handloom weaving that are visually rich and incredibly what often irks many fashion enthusiasts is that these designs are repackaged and sold at sky-high prices without crediting their paisley prints to bandhgalas, mirror work to tie-dye (known in India as bandhani), Indian aesthetics have been sprinkled throughout fashion weeks in Paris and Milan. And while collaborations are welcome, the lack of clear cultural credit often dulls the sparkle.- EndsTrending Reel
