When Prada launched its version of the famous Indian Kolhapuri chappal in June 2025, it was priced at over ₹60,000 and simply called “sandals.” This caused mixed reactions across Indian social media. Some people were amused, while others felt proud that Indian tradition had reached luxury fashion. But many also questioned whether this was respect—or just cultural copying.
This is not the first time a global fashion brand has used Indian elements in its products. Louis Vuitton recently released a designer bag shaped like an Indian auto-rickshaw. While some praised it as creative, others saw it as a clear example of cultural appropriation—where rich companies use parts of a culture without giving proper credit or understanding.
Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals that have been made by skilled Indian artisans for generations. They are affordable and widely worn in rural and urban India. For many, seeing them sold by Prada at such high prices, without any mention of their Indian roots, felt disrespectful.
Cultural borrowing is not new in fashion. Designers around the world often take inspiration from different cultures. But there’s a thin line between inspiration and appropriation. When brands profit from traditional items but fail to credit the communities that created them, it becomes a problem.
Indian social media users are increasingly vocal about these issues. They argue that if global brands want to use Indian designs, they should also support Indian artisans, mention the origin of the designs, and ensure fair collaboration.
At the same time, some believe that this exposure helps promote Indian culture globally. They say that such recognition, even if imperfect, brings more visibility to Indian traditions in modern fashion.
In the end, the debate continues. As global fashion keeps drawing from Indian styles, people are asking an important question: Is it appreciation—or just appropriation in disguise? The answer may depend on how respectful and honest these brands are in acknowledging their sources.
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