The global fashion world has always looked to India for inspiration, but 2025 became a year when this inspiration often crossed into controversy. Several luxury brands used Indian designs, textiles or cultural symbols without proper credit. This sparked debates about cultural appropriation, respect for artisans and the importance of acknowledging heritage.
The first major incident came in June when Prada showcased sandals on the Milan runway that looked exactly like traditional Kolhapuri chappals. These sandals were priced at over ₹1.2 lakh, but the brand did not mention their Indian origin. After heavy criticism from artisans, fashion critics and social media users, Prada finally admitted the design was inspired by Indian handcrafted footwear. However, many felt the acknowledgment was too late and did nothing to support real Kolhapuri craftsmen.
Soon after, Louis Vuitton created huge online buzz with a handbag shaped like an Indian auto-rickshaw. Priced at ₹35 lakh, the bag became a viral talking point. While some people saw it as a fun tribute to Indian street culture, others questioned whether it was respectful or just an expensive novelty without any real connection to the communities it represented.
Dior also found itself in controversy. At a Paris fashion show, the brand displayed an overcoat worth ₹1.6 crore decorated with mukaish embroidery from Lucknow. Although the craftsmanship clearly reflected Indian tradition, Dior did not mention the artisans or the technique. This upset many designers and craftspeople, who argued that global brands must give proper credit to the sources of their creativity.
Independent Indian designers, too, faced challenges. Designer Anupamaa Dayal accused international brand Rapsodia of copying her work after a suspicious studio visit. Her experience showed how vulnerable small designers can be when big companies replicate their creations.
Social media also played a big role in exposing cultural erasure. Influencers in Europe began calling the Indian dupatta a “Scandinavian scarf,” and saree blouses and kurtis were rebranded as European fashion trends. Indians quickly called out these attempts at renaming long-standing cultural clothing.
By August, Dolce & Gabbana joined the list after using designs similar to Kashmiri walnut wood carving without credit.
Overall, 2025 showed that Indian audiences are more vocal than ever. With social media spotlighting these issues instantly, global fashion brands can no longer ignore one truth: inspiration is welcome, but credit is essential.
