After Prada’s Kolhapuri chappals, Louis Vuitton's auto-rickshaw bag goes viral
Image: InstagramLuxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton has introduced a distinctive handbag shaped like India’s iconic auto-rickshaw as part of its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection.Photos of the handbag quickly went viral on social media, attracting thousands of comments. One user remarked, “Middle-class struggle is high-class couture,” while another asked, “So, are they going to price it by the meter?”In addition to the handbag, Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2026 collection also showcased Indian-inspired elements, including elephant and leopard prints, Mughal-style jewelled trunks, and Indian-style chappals reimagined as luxury sandals.This comes days after Prada came under fire after showcasing the sandals during its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan, priced at more than ₹1 lakh as against the ₹300-₹1500 sold in Kolhapur’s markets.After images of the collection surfaced online, social media users and Indian officials criticised the label for failing to credit the heritage behind the designs. They accused Prada of cultural appropriation and disregard for the traditional artisans who have crafted these leather sandals for generations.In response, Italian fashion house officially admitted that the ‘sandals’ were inspired by India’s handcrafted footwear traditions. As per reports, top executives from luxury fashion house are expected to visit Maharashtra next week to explore a potential collaboration with artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).(with inputs from syndicated feed)
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| Image: Instagram |
Luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton has introduced a distinctive handbag shaped like India’s iconic auto-rickshaw as part of its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
Photos of the handbag quickly went viral on social media, attracting thousands of comments. One user remarked, “Middle-class struggle is high-class couture,” while another asked, “So, are they going to price it by the meter?”
In addition to the handbag, Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2026 collection also showcased Indian-inspired elements, including elephant and leopard prints, Mughal-style jewelled trunks, and Indian-style chappals reimagined as luxury sandals.
This comes days after Prada came under fire after showcasing the sandals during its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan, priced at more than ₹1 lakh as against the ₹300-₹1500 sold in Kolhapur’s markets.
After images of the collection surfaced online, social media users and Indian officials criticised the label for failing to credit the heritage behind the designs. They accused Prada of cultural appropriation and disregard for the traditional artisans who have crafted these leather sandals for generations.
In response, Italian fashion house officially admitted that the ‘sandals’ were inspired by India’s handcrafted footwear traditions.
As per reports, top executives from luxury fashion house are expected to visit Maharashtra next week to explore a potential collaboration with artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).
(with inputs from syndicated feed)
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