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Hindustan Times
42 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Prada-MACCIA meet on July 11 to discuss Kolhapuri Chappal collaboration
MUMBAI: Italian fashion house Prada is putting its best foot forward to address concerns after footwear it showcased at the Milan Fashion Week failed to acknowledge the traditional craft of making Kolhapuri Chappals or the artisans engaged in it. A model presents a creation from Prada Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection during the Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo (REUTERS) After admitting that the slippers it featured on the runway were 'inspired' by Kolhapuri Chappals, the fashion brand had committed to initiating a dialogue with representatives of trade and industry, and artisans engaged in the 800-year-old tradition of making the slippers. On July 11, Prada will hold a meeting via video conferencing with office-bearers of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and artisans. The luxury brand, which has been accused of 'cultural appropriation', is expected to discuss a possible collaboration with Kolhapuri artisans, to explore possibilities of taking the Kolhapuri Chappal to the global market. The meeting follows a letter written by MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi, raising the matter with Prada. The fashion house replied on June 27, saying it was willing to 'recognise the value of specialised craftspeople through meaningful exchange' with local artisans and MACCIA. 'I have told Prada that MACCIA believes that this meeting will lay the foundation for a pioneering cultural and commercial collaboration,' said Gandhi. The video conference is scheduled for 2pm on July 11, and will be attended by MACCIA office-bearers and artisans who make the handcrafted slippers. MACCIA has also proposed a six-point agenda for the meeting. It includes recognition and responsible attribution; formation of a joint working group of MACCIA-Prada and artisans' bodies; co-branded artisan collections; a Prada-artisan excellence lab in Kolhapur or Mumbai; and the development of a fair trade supply chain. The agenda is yet to be finalised.
Hindustan Times
42 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
PIL seeks public apology from Prada
MUMBAI: The controversy over Italian luxury fashion house Prada showcasing footwear 'inspired' by Kolhapuri Chappals at the recent Milan Fashion Week has taken a legal turn. A model presents a creation from Prada Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection during the Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo (REUTERS) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court, accusing Prada of cultural appropriation as the 'Toe Ring Sandals/Leather Flat Sandals' it had showcased on June 22 were near-identical to the traditional, handcrafted footwear made by artisans in Kolhapur, in Maharashtra. Among other things, the petition has sought a public apology from Prada, and compensation for the artisans engaged in the craft. The petition, filed by Prof Adv Ganesh S Hingmire, alleges that the product's 'genuine origin, traditional custodianship and Geographical Indication (GI) status were entirely overlooked'. It sought protection and enforcement of the rights of the community associated with the product, along with compensation for the 'unauthorised commercialisation', which has caused 'significant harm' to the community traditionally associated with it. The petition has also urged the court to direct government entities to safeguard the economic interests and intellectual property rights of indigenous artisans, whose traditional crafts have been granted a Gl tag under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The petition contends that the design showcased by Prada did not acknowledge Indian artisans who have been making Kolhapuri Chappals for generations. 'The act of copying and misrepresenting this craft in international markets effectively amounts to depriving local artisans of rightful recognition and credit for their work, who have preserved and practiced this traditional art form for nearly 800 years in India,' the petition states. After the controversy broke, Prada issued a statement acknowledging that the slippers it had showcased had been 'inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage'. 'We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' the statement said. The PIL, however, alleges that 'cultural appropriation' of this nature amounts to more than aesthetic borrowing – it constitutes intellectual and economic exploitation. 'In the past, there have been multiple instances where international brands have imitated traditional Indian crafts without offering any acknowledgment or apology,' states Hingmire, an intellectual property rights advocate known for his contribution to Geographical Indication in India. It also urged the court to direct Prada to issue a public apology before the court, affirming its genuineness and ensuring that the apology is widely circulated through appropriate media, including but not limited to newspapers, digital platforms and the brand's official communication channels. The petition underlined the need to establish strong and decisive measures to 'address these violations and set an exemplary legal precedent that deters future acts of cultural misappropriation'. It also suggested the implementation of a permanent, comprehensive policy for international recognition of India's GIs, and the provision of legal and financial support for artisans to enforce their rights.
Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
Vitamarinaweb: The First Italian Social Network for Ocean Lovers, Powered by AI
In a world dominated by global social networks, a new Italian platform is making waves by combining passion for the ocean, genuine human interaction, and artificial intelligence. Its name is Vitamarinaweb – the first Italian social network fully dedicated to marine life. Vitamarinaweb is much more than just another social media platform. It's a smart and innovative ecosystem where users can: create and customize their personal profiles; share posts, photos, and videos about oceans, nature, and science; chat in real-time with other users; and most of all, interact with an integrated AI assistant that responds to any question, suggests content, and supports users in a natural, intelligent way. At Vitamarinaweb, user safety and privacy come first. The platform offers: two-factor authentication (2FA) , , biometric access via fingerprint, face, or security key, full data control, and encrypted sessions. No hidden algorithms. No invasive ads. You're always in charge of what you post and who can see it. One of the most powerful features of Vitamarinaweb is its integrated AI assistant (based on ChatGPT), available directly within the platform. You can: ask anything you want, generate posts and creative content automatically, create AI-generated images and even short videos – instantly. There's no app to install. It's completely online, free, and accessible from all devices. Vitamarinaweb also features a custom merchandise shop, where you can design your own t-shirts and gadgets. Choose your favorite marine species (like dolphins, jellyfish, sharks, or seahorses), add your own text, and generate unique products to wear or share. It's a fun way to support the platform and show your ocean pride. The Vitamarinaweb mobile app is available for Android – lightweight, secure, and fully synced with the website. Perfect for staying connected, even on the go. 1. Where did the idea for an ocean-focused social network come from? The concept came from a deep passion for the sea and the desire to create a space where people can share their marine-related experiences, stories, and photos. There's a real need for communities built around shared interests, and the ocean is a powerful uniting force. 2. What makes Vitamarinaweb truly unique? It's the combination of a clear thematic focus and advanced features. Unlike mainstream platforms, we offer a tailored experience for ocean lovers, with no algorithmic manipulation, full privacy control, and a built-in AI assistant that makes the platform more interactive and helpful. 3. How does the AI assistant actually help users? The AI is deeply integrated. It can answer questions on any topic, help you write posts, generate personalized content, and even assist with technical issues. It acts as a smart companion that learns from your needs and improves your experience. 4. Who is the ideal user for Vitamarinaweb? Anyone who loves the sea, nature, or marine biology will feel at home. From underwater photographers to biology students and marine conservationists, all the way to casual users who are just curious – there's a place for everyone here. 5. How important is security on the platform? It's absolutely essential. We've implemented modern protection features, including 2FA, encryption, and full privacy settings. We believe in giving users full control over their data and protecting them from unwanted tracking or profiling. 6. How does the personalized merchandise work? It's super easy: you choose your favorite marine animal (like a dolphin or jellyfish), type in your own phrase or name, and the system creates a preview of a custom t-shirt, mug, or accessory. You can buy it or gift it to friends – all from within the site. 7. What's the long-term vision for Vitamarinaweb? Our vision is to become a global hub for people who care about the sea – not just a social platform, but a community built on ethics, sustainability, and technology. We want to grow without losing our values: freedom, authenticity, and love for nature. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
