Bollywood’s OG fashion queen, Kareena Kapoor Khan, made headlines recently—but not for a red carpet look or movie. This time, she took a bold stand against the luxury fashion brand Prada for copying traditional Indian Kohlapuri chappals and presenting them as their own design.
Kareena’s Bold Message from the Beach
On July 6, 2025, Kareena, who is on a relaxing vacation at the beach, posted an Instagram story. It showed her wearing classic leather Kohlapuris with a silver strap. With it, she wrote a strong line:
“Sorry, not Prada. But my OG Kohlapuri.”
This one small message created a big buzz across the internet.
Why Kareena Took a Stand?
Kareena did not just share her love for Indian designs but also sent a clear message to brands that copy Indian traditions without giving credit. Instead of running behind big fashion names, Kareena chose to proudly support local Indian artisans who have been handcrafting Kohlapuris for centuries.
At 44, she continues to show that fashion is not about expensive labels, but about originality, comfort, and cultural pride.
What Did Prada Do?
Famous Italian luxury brand Prada launched a new sandal collection as part of its Men’s Spring-Summer 2025 runway. But fashion lovers and social media users were quick to notice—those sandals looked exactly like Kohlapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear made by hand for the past 800 years.
And the big problem? No credit was given to the Indian artisans or the original design.
Prada Finally Admits the Truth
After heavy criticism and online backlash, Prada accepted that their new sandal design was inspired by Indian Kohlapuris. The brand promised to open talks with Indian trade and artisan groups.
A video call is also planned on July 11, 2025, between Prada and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, and possibly some local artisans.
Legal Trouble for Prada in India
Things didn’t stop on social media. A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) was filed in Bombay High Court by Ganesh Hingmire. He demanded that Prada pay compensation to Indian artisans for copying their work. The petition argued that Kohlapuri chappals are not just a product, but a part of Indian heritage and emotion.
Till now, Prada has not issued a formal apology or offered compensation.
Conclusion
This is more than just a fashion controversy. It’s about respecting Indian culture, giving proper credit to original creators, and protecting traditional craftsmanship from being copied without consent.
Kareena Kapoor’s strong and stylish message reminded everyone that true fashion comes from roots. Supporting local artisans is not just trendy—it’s necessary.