Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Kolhapuri Swagger: Bollywood Star Calls Out Prada, Celebrates Indian Craft

Kareena Kapoor Khan has sparked a fiery controversy within the fashion industry by flaunting her real Kolhapuri chappals during her holiday in London and Greece, in a tongue-in-cheek swipe at luxury fashion house Prada. This comes in the wake of outrage over Prada's Men's Spring/Summer 2026 collection showcasing sandals uncannily reminiscent of classic Indian Kolhapuris, for failing to properly credit Indian artisans.

 

Key Highlights

 

•⁠  ⁠Kareena shared an Instagram story of her feet in traditional silver Kolhapuri chappals, captioned as a tongue-in-cheek apology to Prada for her "OG Kolhapuri," playfully refusing to give up traditional Indian craftsmanship for designer copies.

 

•⁠  ⁠Prada's new 'Toe Ring Sandals' that are close copies of Kolhapuris traditionally produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka were introduced in Milan, and it sparked outrage at cultural appropriation and failure to give credit to the 800-year-old Indian tradition.

 

•⁠  ⁠The reaction led Prada to formally embrace the Indian origin of their design and show appreciation for the cultural value of Kolhapuri chappals. The company also signaled willingness to negotiate with Indian trade bodies.

 

•⁠  ⁠The issue has given rise to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, demanding compensation and recognition of the artisans who have maintained this tradition.

 

•⁠  ⁠Kareena's move has encouraged other stars like Neena Gupta to openly showcase traditional Kolhapuris, once again encouraging the need to take pride in indigenous craft.

 

Personal and Professional Glimpses

 

•⁠  ⁠Kareena is on vacation with her family, posting candid pictures on the internet and keeping the followers entertained.

 

•⁠  ⁠On the work front, she is preparing for her next film, Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside her.

 

Sources: News18, India TV News, Moneycontrol, NDTV, Firstpost