Luxury Brands' Cultural Missteps in India

Italian luxury brand Prada faced backlash for a sandal design resembling India's traditional Kolhapuri chappal without acknowledging its origin. This incident highlights a recurring issue with global fashion brands misinterpreting or failing to credit India's rich artistic heritage. Following the controversy, Prada engaged with Kolhapur artisans and local business representatives to understand the traditional craft, expressing openness to dialogue and exchange. This situation underscores the challenges luxury brands face in navigating cultural appreciation and intellectual property when drawing inspiration from diverse global traditions, particularly India's artisanal craftsmanship.