Luxury fashion houses are once again thrust into a cultural flashpoint for drawing on Indian staples. In June, Prada introduced luxe “leather sandals” resembling Kolhapuri chappals, priced over ₹60,000. Though uncredited initially, the design spurred backlash from Indian artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, resulting in Prada formally acknowledging the craft and promising ethical engagement.

Not far behind, Louis Vuitton, under Pharrell Williams for its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, released an auto‑rickshaw shaped handbag priced at around ₹35 lakh. A viral hit online, its meme‑friendly reception reignited discussions: homage or high-end cultural theft? 

Meanwhile, Balenciaga’s oversized tote drew comparisons to India’s bori and IKEA’s blue Frakta bags, spotlighting luxury’s penchant for serial repackaging of utilitarian designs. Beyond footwear and bags, Bulgari launched a designer mangalsutra in collaboration with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, pricing it at ₹3.49 lakh—a fusion of Roman and Indian jewellery traditions.

Further experiments include viral pieces like a “Basmati rice sack” coat priced at ₹1.62 lakh. With each launch, global luxury houses walk a fine line: celebrating Indian heritage or commodifying it? The overarching debate continues—respectful cultural celebration, savvy marketing, or just couture déjà vu with a subcontinental silhouette.