Kareena Kapoor showed desi swag on Instagram – taunted designer slippers worth Rs 1 lakh!
Table of Contents
The post that created a ruckus on Instagram
Kareena Kapoor is not one to back down when it comes to Indian cultural heritage.
On Sunday, the Bollywood star posted a message on Instagram that is grabbing everyone’s attention.
Sharing a photo of herself wearing classic Kolhapuri chappals, Kareena wrote a simple caption: “Sorry not Prada…but my OG Kolhapuri.”
Keeping her face out of the frame, she made sure that everyone’s eyes were on those traditional Indian sandals that are at the center of a big controversy.
What is the matter after all?
The fashion world went into a frenzy when luxury brand Prada launched its “Toe Ring Sandals” at its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan on June 22.
Close-minded fashion watchers immediately noticed something familiar—these high-end sandals look just like India’s centuries-old Kolhapuri chappals.
And things got even worse when it was discovered that Prada’s version was selling for nearly Rs 1 lakh, that too without giving proper credit to the Indian design that inspired them.
Legal action has also begun
This isn’t just a social media noise. The controversy has reached the Bombay High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The legal action is seeking compensation for Kolhapuri artisans whose traditional designs were copied without proper acknowledgement.
The case has highlighted growing concerns about cultural appropriation in the fashion industry, especially when global brands repackage a culture’s traditional crafts as luxury items.
Prada’s response
Faced with growing criticism, Prada has issued a statement addressing the controversy.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, acknowledged the Indian influence:
“We acknowledge that the sandals shown in the recent Prada Men’s 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, which has a centuries-old heritage.
We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.”
Celebrities also came to the field
Kareena’s post shows that celebrities are also getting involved in conversations about cultural attribution and respect.
By proudly showcasing her authentic Kolhapuri chappals, she is reminding her millions of followers who are the real craftspeople behind these designs.
This controversy raises important questions about where inspiration ends and appropriation begins—especially when traditional designs from one culture are marketed as luxury innovations by brands from another culture.
