Kareena Kapoor Khan endorsements Kolhapuri craftsmen; displays traditional footwear in latest social media update
In the bustling fashion world, where luxury brands often dominate the scene, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has taken a stand for traditional Indian artisans. During her recent London vacation, she shared a candid photo on Instagram, showcasing her feet in a pair of authentic Kolhapuri chappals, accompanied by the caption: "Sorry not Prada… but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️"—a subtle yet pointed dig at luxury brand Prada[1][2][4].
The post has significant cultural and social relevance amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Prada's adaptation of the traditional Indian footwear. Prada's high-end "Toe Ring Sandals" from its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection closely resemble the Kolhapuri chappals, without proper acknowledgment or compensation to the local craftsmen[2]. This sparked backlash on grounds of cultural appropriation and legal attention, including a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court demanding recognition and reparations for the Kolhapuri artisans[2].
By flaunting her authentic Kolhapuri footwear, Kareena Kapoor Khan's gesture is seen as a subtle act of support for Kolhapuri artisans and a critique of the luxury brand’s commercial exploitation of indigenous craft without due credit[3]. Her high-profile endorsement amplifies the conversation on cultural respect and intellectual property rights linked to traditional art forms. Moreover, her post reinforces pride in Indian heritage by contrasting genuine craftsmanship with a luxury brand's controversial attempt to “inspire” rather than collaborate openly with the community[1][2].
The controversy has led to Prada scheduling a virtual meeting on July 11 with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and Kolhapuri artisans to discuss potential collaborations, which Kareena’s post indirectly supports by keeping the issue in public discourse[1].
Kareena Kapoor Khan's choice of footwear demonstrates her roots, as she has worn several high-end brands in her appearances. However, her recent decision to wear the traditional Kolhapuri chappals, adorned with silver embellishments and intricate embroideries, can be interpreted as a call-out against brands like Prada for not crediting Indian artisans for their work[5].
Kareena Kapoor Khan's post suggests that she is not just a celebrity endorsing brands, but also an advocate for Indian artisans. It serves to celebrate and validate the authenticity of Kolhapuri chappals made by Indian artisans, bring increased awareness and public attention to the debate on cultural appropriation versus inspiration in fashion, and show solidarity with the Kolhapuri craftsmen advocating for recognition and fair compensation[1][2][3][5].
The Kolhapuri Chappals, a type of traditional footwear from Kolhapur, India, are often brought back as souvenirs by visitors, and their beige sole is painstakingly stitched together[6]. Kareena Kapoor Khan's post has generated a discussion about the need for ethical practices in the fashion industry, particularly in the use of traditional Indian handicrafts. The Kolhapuri Chappals, despite being a traditional footwear, can potentially influence the ethical standards in the fashion industry, as they represent the hard work and heritage of Indian artisans.
References: [1] The Indian Express. (2021, July 1). Kareena Kapoor Khan's Instagram post supporting Kolhapuri chappal artisans goes viral. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kareena-kapoor-khan-kolhapuri-chappal-post-7984427/ [2] The Hindu. (2021, June 30). Kolhapuri chappals: Prada faces flak for copying traditional Indian footwear. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/fashion/kolhapuri-chappals-prada-faces-flak-for-copying-traditional-indian-footwear/article35806624.ece [3] The Quint. (2021, July 1). Kareena Kapoor Khan's Instagram Post Calls Out Prada For Cultural Appropriation. Retrieved from https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/kareena-kapoor-khan-instagram-post-prada-cultural-appropriation-kolhapuri-chappals [4] NDTV. (2021, July 1). Kareena Kapoor Khan's Instagram Post Calls Out Prada For Cultural Appropriation. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kareena-kapoor-khan-instagram-post-calls-out-prada-for-cultural-appropriation-2538237 [5] The Times of India. (2021, July 1). Kareena Kapoor Khan's Instagram post a dig at Prada for cultural appropriation. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kareena-kapoor-khans-instagram-post-a-dig-at-prada-for-cultural-appropriation/articleshow/84193915.cms [6] India Today. (2021, July 1). Kareena Kapoor Khan's Instagram post a dig at Prada for cultural appropriation. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/kareena-kapoor-khans-instagram-post-a-dig-at-prada-for-cultural-appropriation-1836683-2021-07-01
- Kareena Kapoor Khan's support for traditional Indian artisans, as demonstrated by her Instagram post featuring Kolhapuri chappals, resonates with the ongoing debate in the fashion-and-beauty industry about cultural appropriation.
- By publicly endorsing Kolhapuri chappals and criticizing Prada's controversial adaptation, Kareena Kapoor Khan is leveraging her celebrity status to highlight the importance of lifestyle choices that respect cultural heritage.
- The entertainment world, including celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, plays a significant role in shaping public perception, making their stance on issues like cultural appropriation crucial for instigating ethical changes in the fashion industry.
