
Vespa to celebrate 80th anniversary with grand celebration on June 25
advertisementAccording to the company, since its inception in 1946, Vespa has not only redefined urban mobility but has also become a beacon of style, freedom, and joie de vivre. To mark this milestone, Rome—long associated with Vespa's timeless charm and the romantic imagery of Italy's "La Dolce Vita" has been chosen as the backdrop for the celebrations.While the full programme of events is set to be announced in autumn, organisers say that the celebration will go far beyond a traditional fan meet. From parades and exhibitions to cultural experiences and music, the four-day event will welcome both Vespa aficionados and the general public, honouring the brand's profound cultural legacy.
Vespa's journey began in post-war Italy and quickly grew into a worldwide phenomenon, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds and countries. Over the decades, it has left an indelible mark on fashion, cinema, music, and global youth culture. As the brand continues to evolve with technology and design, it remains a symbol of elegance and innovation.The 80th anniversary in Rome will not only celebrate the past but also the enduring relevance of a brand that continues to inspire across generations.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton to start from pit lane
Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix from the pit lane with a new power unit after qualifying only 16th, Ferrari said. The seven-time Formula One world champion won at Spa with Mercedes last year but has had a nightmare so far, qualifying 18th in Friday's sprint qualifying and finishing 15th in Saturday's 100km race. Hamilton has won five times in Belgium and has been on the podium in all but two of the races he has finished at the longest circuit on the calendar. The Briton, who moved to the Italian team in January and has yet to stand on the podium for it, apologised to Ferrari on Saturday for a performance he said was unacceptable. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli will also start from the pit lane after those teams also changed engine components. Sunday's race is set to be wet. The Formula Two feature race started behind the safety car, while the Formula Three race was cancelled entirely due to the conditions.


Mint
7 hours ago
- Mint
Kolhapuri slip: Luxury houses need to grasp India's domestic sensibilities
Retailing for as little as $10, India's beloved Kolhapuri sandals are a staple in wardrobes across the sub-continent. So, when global luxury brand Prada debuted a new type of footwear at Milan Fashion Week that bore a stark resemblance to them, it didn't take long for fury to build online. The saga underscores how much power the South Asian giant's digital tribe holds, where online outrage regularly influences public debate—especially when citizens perceive their heritage as under attack. International firms eyeing one of the world's fastest-growing markets should weigh the risks of such cultural missteps. The Italian fashion house's troubles began when it introduced its menswear collection in June. The sandals, described as 'leather footwear," displayed an open-toe braided pattern that was strikingly similar to Kolhapuri sandals made in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. (Your columnist has several pairs of Kolhapuris in her wardrobe.) Also Read: Line of conscience: Why didn't luxury brands speak up? Historically, the sandals were produced for specific communities. For farmers who worked in the fields, they were robust and able to withstand wear-and-tear; for the courtier class and nobles, they were more delicate and ostentatious. In 2019, the footwear was awarded Geographical Indication status, viewed as a mark of authenticity. Other Indian items to have received this tag include Darjeeling tea and Alphonso mangoes. But Prada did not credit India for the designs, prompting a brutal social media backlash. The nationalistic sentiment whipped up by this controversy boosted sales of the traditional sandals. India's online community accused the brand of cultural appropriation and the furore forced the fashion house into damage-control mode. It issued a statement saying it recognized the sandals were inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The luxury brand's experience is a reminder that in India, foreign firms have to be aware of how reputational risk could affect future revenue. Internet penetration is rising, with 55% of the population connected. Social media is growing fast, too: It's estimated to be home to 462 million social media users. India is a rising global power, one that international brands are keen to break into. But local and foreign firms face challenges: Bureaucracy, shoddy infrastructure and unique consumer behaviours that include a fierce defence of India's rich heritage. All these factors call for a sensitive approach. Also Read: Bling battle: Yes, US luxury brands can take on European labels Success in the market lies in the ability to balance local authenticity and global appeal—and the willingness to 'learn to love and speak to India," as Francois Grouiller, chief executive officer of the luxury consultancy IndLux recently noted. Foreign brands can't afford to ignore India's luxury market, which reached $7.74 billion in 2023 and is projected to approach $12 billion by 2028. Other estimates predict the sector could more than triple by 2030, growing to upward of $85 billion. The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals—people with a net worth of at least $30 million—is expected to grow 50% by 2028. These forecasts come with the obvious caveats—most notably, there is still a huge wealth gap in the country. While India's 100 million wealthiest folks are splurging, 400 million of their middle-class counterparts have cut back. Global economic conditions are less supportive, as US President Donald Trump's tariffs fuel trade tensions and put pressure on future growth. Still, viewing consumers as a long-term opportunity rather than just a short-term play would help these firms thrive. Even more important is understanding that India is home to a diverse market with distinct needs. Some brands have grasped this already—high-end jeweller Bulgari offers a pricey Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women—tapping into the desire for luxury with home-grown sensibilities. Also Read: Luxury brand Prada is eyeing its rival Versace but such a merger seems flawed The Italian brand is not the first—and neither will it be the last—to fall afoul of cultural norms. Earlier this year, Gucci made the mistake of calling Alia Bhatt's custom-made sari-lehenga a gown. Another online frenzy was set off in May, when a viral trend was criticized for calling the dupatta a Scandinavian scarf. Prada doesn't own retail stores in India, depending instead on the super-rich diaspora and wealthy Indians who travel overseas. But the firm—whose shares have lost about 30% since February as investors took fright at its Versace purchase—isn't taking chances. In a conciliatory move, it's now working with traditional artisans to understand the history of Kolhapuris. Prada has learnt the hard way that cultural fluency is no longer a 'nice to have'—it's central to survival. ©Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China.


New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- New Indian Express
After Prada ‘appropriation', Maharashtra to certify authentic Kolhapuri chappals with QR code
KOLHAPUR: The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were "inspired" by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry.