The Right to Disconnect Bill: Could This Change India’s Work-Life Culture for Good?
December 9, 2025
No Comments
- Sun, 14 December 2025
Kareena Kapoor recently called out Prada for their latest footwear design, which appears to be “inspired” by traditional Kolhapuri chappals.
She posted a picture of her foot wearing an authentic pair and added a witty caption: “Sorry not Prada… (laughing and punching emoji) but my OG Kolhapuri (heart emoji).”
Another familiar face, Neena Gupta, also weighed in.
In a recent reel, she was seen wearing Kolhapuri chappals and remarked, “These are the most beautiful chappals I have ever had.”
She mentioned that a friend had gifted them to her, specially crafted by the artisans themselves. With a smile, she added,
“Real toh real hi hota hai…”
These comments surfaced after the Prada–Kolhapuri chappals controversy came to light. Prada recently launched its ‘Toe Ring Sandals’, which closely resemble traditional Kolhapuri chappals: a centuries-old Indian design that has held a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.
The public was outraged as Prada appeared to replicate the work of dedicated Indian artisans without offering due credit to the original creators of the craft.
The lack of acknowledgement, despite the cultural and historical significance of Kolhapuri chappals, struck a nerve with many. In response to the backlash, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed, demanding that Prada issue a formal apology to the artisans and provide them with appropriate compensation for using their traditional design without their consent.
Prada, in its defence, issued a vague statement claiming the design was “inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage.”
Yes, several global fashion brands have been accused of copying the work of local artisans (much like Prada allegedly did with Kolhapuri chappals).
For instance, Dior faced backlash for using embroidery patterns resembling Mexico’s traditional Tenango designs without crediting the indigenous artisans.
In India, brands like Valentino have showcased prints inspired by traditional Bagh printing from Madhya Pradesh without acknowledging their source.
Such actions not only commercialise traditional crafts without fair compensation but also strip them of their cultural significance, raising serious ethical concerns in the fashion industry.
The Mexican government has been very vocal—their Ministry of Culture has formally accused brands like Dior, Isabel Marant, and Zara of plagiarising indigenous designs and called for collaboration with local communities.
Similarly, the Indian government has taken steps to promote and protect traditional crafts through Geographical Indication (GI) tags, like those for Kolhapuri chappals and Bagh prints, to legally recognize and safeguard regional heritage.
The main question remains: How well executed are these affirmative actions taken by the government?
Traditional art is crafted with talent and grace by indigenous artisans: they provide a glimpse of the rich heritage of the country through their gift of knowledge and craftsmanship to bring the soul to what they are creating.
As humans, taking inspiration is in our DNA, but that inspiration should always be recognised and compensated. And inspiration can never amount to a literal copycat version of a culturally rich craft.
If big brands take ideas from local artisans without giving them credit or sharing the profits, they should face serious consequences.
Copying traditional designs without permission is unfair and disrespectful. These actions should lead to heavy fines and proper payment to the original creators.
Only when brands are made to pay a real price will they start respecting the talent and hard work of indigenous artists.
As individuals, we have the power to make a difference. Don’t support brands that copy and profit from others’ work without giving credit.
Instead, choose to buy directly from the artisans who create with skill, passion, and tradition. Supporting them not only preserves our culture but also ensures their hard work gets the respect and value it truly deserves.
Credit for header image: Hindustan Times
[This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. This has been constituted based on third-party sources. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on this information.]
contact@GrowthSenseNews.com
Sign up to get exciting updates through our newsletter- your one-stop for all things startup!