Luxury sandals draw criticism for echoing traditional Indian footwear
Earlier in June, a prominent luxury house faced backlash after leather sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection were widely compared to the traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappal. The resemblance prompted discussions about cultural appropriation, design ethics, and how global brands interpret heritage styles.
Why the issue matters
Kolhapuri chappals are handmade, locally rooted footwear with cultural and historical significance. When high-end labels release products that closely mirror such traditional items without clear acknowledgement, communities and consumers often react. The debate is about respect for origins, fair recognition, and whether commercial designs benefit or erase the source culture.
Reactions and reputational risk
Social media amplified criticism quickly, highlighting how sensitive cultural inspirations can be in fashion today. For luxury firms, these moments carry reputation risk. A misstep can hurt customer trust, prompt boycotts, or force costly PR responses. At the same time, consumer appetite for authentic, craft-driven products remains strong.
Business implications
- Brand credibility: Perceived cultural insensitivity can damage long-term brand equity.
- Supply chain scrutiny: Buyers increasingly expect transparency about sourcing and craft partnerships.
- Market opportunity: Collaborations with artisans or fair licensing can turn critique into a competitive advantage.
How brands can respond
- Engage directly with the communities whose designs inspire collections.
- Acknowledge origins publicly and consider revenue-sharing or co-creation models.
- Invest in artisan partnerships and sustainable supply chains that preserve traditional techniques.
The episode is a reminder that in a global marketplace, design choices carry cultural weight. For luxury labels, thoughtful engagement and transparency are increasingly part of good business practice as much as they are about ethics.