Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 6: Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has stepped into the growing controversy surrounding luxury fashion house Prada, which is facing backlash for allegedly copying India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappal design without due credit.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, Kareena shared a photo of her own traditional Kolhapuris, captioned cheekily:

“Sorry not Prada… but my OG Kolhapuri.”

The frame excluded her face, ensuring the spotlight remained squarely on the handcrafted footwear — a subtle but pointed dig at the global fashion giant.

Her post comes in the wake of mounting criticism aimed at Prada, which recently debuted a pair of “Toe Ring Sandals” at the Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show in Milan on June 22. Observers quickly noticed the striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian leather sandal with roots going back centuries.

What sparked outrage was not just the uncanny similarity but the lack of acknowledgment of the design’s Indian origins. While the sandals were presented as part of a high-fashion European line—priced at nearly Rs 1 lakh—they bore a design nearly identical to what generations of Indian artisans have crafted by hand.

In response, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court, seeking compensation for Kolhapuri artisans. The petition alleges cultural appropriation, arguing that Prada commercialized a heritage design without crediting or benefiting its original creators.

Amid the backlash, Prada issued a statement acknowledging the Indian roots of the design. Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, said:

“We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.”

However, many, including artisans and cultural commentators, believe the gesture came too late and lacks concrete action — such as collaboration with Indian craftsmen or royalties for the communities that have preserved the tradition.

The incident has reignited the broader debate on cultural appropriation in global fashion, with Indian designers and celebrities urging international brands to give proper credit and compensation when drawing inspiration from indigenous traditions.

As the controversy unfolds, Kareena’s subtle yet sharp post has further amplified the conversation, spotlighting the value of cultural authenticity in fashion and the need to protect India’s artisanal heritage.