Indiafication of fashion: How global luxury is basically shopping in Sarojini now

Time of India

4 hours ago

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Forget yoga on the Ganga, yaar. India isn't just trending, we're low-key taking over the global fashion scene. One Kolhapuri at a time.
Let's get this straight. Indians have never been behind in fashion. We created drapes before the West learned about belts. And now, fashion finally catches up, by taking our style and selling it back to us for the price of a small 2BHK in Mumbai (on rent).
Take Prada, for example. Their latest 'innovative' sandal bears a suspicious resemblance to what your chacha wears to the market. You know, good old Kolhapuri chappal. Now just with a posh label and a four-figure price tag in Euros. Shabash, Prada. Heritage hai, but haute-ify it.
When Milan went full Maharashtra: Prada's Kolhapuri knockoff
At Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 men's show in Milan, the models walked the ramp in sandals that made every Indian blink twice. 'Is that? Is that a Kolhapuri chappal?' Yes, beta. But now it's 'Artisanal leather sandal with toe loop.' Fancy.
Even the invitation card for the show had a leather toe ring. Somewhere in Kolhapur, a mochi likely got a hiccup and did not know why.
People on X in India, of course, lost it. 'You're welcome, Prada. Next time, give us a shoutout.' Because while the sandals walked the global ramp, the credit quietly walked out the back door.
Kolhapuri 101: For those who missed the memo
In case you've been living under a Swiss rock, the Kolhapuri chappal is not just footwear, it's a way of life.
Handcrafted in Maharashtra for over a century, these leather beauties are tough, timeless, and totally wedding-approved. They've even got a GI tag, okay? That's like a VIP pass in the world of craftsmanship.
So no, it's not 'rustic minimalism.' It's pure desi swag.
Louis Vuitton tries an Indian wedding starter pack
Not wanting to be left behind in this cosplay of culture, Louis Vuitton released a fresh range of trunks that yell 'mere cousin ki shaadi is in Noida.' Monogrammed, yes. Luxury, perhaps. Original, definitely not.
All Indians will agree that these 'private travel trunks' resemble the very ones Sharma aunty has piled up in her storeroom from her daughter's wedding in 2004. Only LV omitted the nariyal and haldi stains.
Puebco's Jhola drama: Now on sale at Nordstrom for Rs 4,200
Ah yes, the humble jhola. That cotton bag you receive free with Basmati rice. Or to carry sabzi in. Or books. Or dreams.
Now enter Puebco's rendition. The 'Indian Souvenir Bag.' It's listed on Nordstrom's site for $48. Our verdict? Somewhere in India, an uncle in a banyan is laughing and muttering, 'Arre, mere wale mein jaida jagah hai.'
Flashback: Do you remember the polybag purse?
Balenciaga once attempted to sell what appeared to be a plastic thela for $2,000.
Dior embarked on an embroidery shopping spree in Jaipur.
H&M collaborated with Sabyasachi and retailed you what you could purchase from FabIndia, only ten times more expensive and with a waiting list.
Moral of the story? Indian design is the moment. But Indian designers are nowhere to be found in the credits.
So… appreciation or just appropri-yawn?
We get it. Indian motifs are pretty. Embroidery is detailed. Chappals are comfy. But if you're lifting our designs, at least name-drop us, no?
It's one thing to be inspired. It's another to repackage a Kolhapuri chappal as 'Rustic Milanese Footwear.' Baba, it's Kolhapuri. Say it. Spell it. Credit it.
India's fashion revenge tour has begun
From jholas to juttis, desi fashion is dominating international runways, and it's high time we took our place. If a chappal can strut the ramp in Milan, we can enter the dialogue and ask for our due.
The next time you spot a $5,000 lehenga on a Paris catwalk, simply say, 'Sab kuch copy hai.'
And smile. Because the world may be late to the party, but we threw it.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.