When Prada introduced its take on the humble Kolhapuri chappal in June 2025, labelled merely as 'sandals' and priced at over Rs 60,000, Indian social media found itself torn between amusement and flattery. What was once viewed as a common Indian ethnic staple has now officially entered the realm of luxury fashion.
However this was not an isolated moment. In recent years, an increasing number of global brands have been 'borrowing' elements from Indian culture—at times playfully, at times controversially—to develop high-end products that eco subcontinental familiarity.
The auto affair: Louis Vuitton’s Kaali Peeli moment
One of the most discussed examples is Louis Vuitton’s auto-rickshaw-shaped handbag, launched as part of the Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, with a price tag of Rs 35 lakh (approximately $42,000). Designed under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams, he succeeded Virgil Abloh as the brand’s menswear artistic director.
The auto-rickshaw bag was not included in Louis Vuitton’s main runway show; it was revealed later at a private “re-see” event. Despite the understated reveal, the bag swiftly gained traction online, sparking a flurry of memes and debates regarding whether it was a respectful homage to Indian culture or merely another instance of cultural appropriation.
Balenciaga’s IKEA-style tote
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Balenciaga’s now-infamous Arena Extra-Large Shopper Tote (approximately £1,670 or €2,015) has been compared not only to IKEA’s $0.99 blue Frakta bag but also to India’s bori bags, which are typically large, unstructured, and utilitarian. The similarity, especially in fabric texture and size, ignited discussions online regarding how luxury frequently repackages utility.
Japan's Puebco reimagines India’s ration bags
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The Japanese brand Puebco offers tote bags inspired by India’s everyday grocery jhola, marketing them as 'Indian Souvenir Bags' priced between ¥3,000 and ¥8,000 (approximately Rs 1,700 to Rs 4,500). These upcycled totes preserve original prints and faded textures, providing a 'vintage' twist on an Indian staple.
When the mangalsutra went designer, thanks to Bulgari and Priyanka
Bulgari has introduced its inaugural India-inspired jewellery piece, the Bulgari Mangalsutra, in collaboration with Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Made from 18kt yellow gold, featuring onyx and pavé diamonds, this piece harmoniously combines Roman design with traditional Indian elements. With a price of Rs 3.49 lakh, this piece reinterprets the mangalsutra for contemporary and versatile use.
The 'gothic swing' saga: Jhoola goes West
Anne Chovy, an American artist, recently shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing an intricately carved wooden swing, which she referred to as a “hand-carved antique solid wood Gothic living room swing”. To many Indians, however, the piece was immediately identifiable as a jhoola — a traditional swing often found in older Indian homes.
From rice sack to runway: A Rs 1.62 lakh 'Basmati coat' breaks the internet
A designer brand named KRKDE has recently gone viral for creating a coat from a Basmati rice sack, priced at an astonishing Rs 1.62 lakh, further blurring the line between utility and high fashion. While not a conventional luxury brand, the label ignited a wave of luxury-level outrage (and memes) by transforming a kitchen essential into high fashion.
Social media was abuzz. One user remarked, “At least you’ll smell good!” while another noted, “For that price, I’d rather buy enough rice to feed my entire building.”
Not one-offs: Other India-inspired luxury moments
Dior: Multiple collections featuring Indian embroidery, artisans, and a high-profile Mumbai showcase.
Christian Louboutin x Sabyasachi: Zardozi-rich shoes and accessories.
Hermès: Limited-edition luxury saris using French silk.
Gucci: Kaftans reminiscent of Indian kurtas.
Chanel: 2012 “Paris-Bombay” collection celebrating Indian royalty and craft.
Jamdani weaves: Indian textiles like Jamdani gaining popularity in UK fashion circuits.
As Indian aesthetics continue to inspire the global luxury industry, one question remains: is this cultural celebration, clever marketing—or just couture déjà vu in a subcontinental silhouette?
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