Kareena Kapoor Khan recently sparked a wave of conversation online after she subtly called out a high-end fashion label for its controversial adaptation of a traditional Indian footwear style. The actress took to Instagram to share a candid snapshot featuring her feet adorned in a classic pair of Kolhapuri sandals. She proudly expressed her preference for these homegrown, handcrafted leather slippers over flashy designer versions, emphasizing her pride in native craftsmanship.
In the photograph, Kareena wore a stylish variant of the Kolhapuri chappals with a shimmering metallic tint, subtly highlighting their aesthetic appeal and cultural value. Her post came shortly after a globally renowned Italian fashion house showcased footwear strikingly similar to Kolhapuris during a fashion show. The runway display immediately triggered backlash on social media, as many viewers criticized the luxury brand for not giving due credit to the artisans and the centuries-old Indian heritage behind the design.
The controversy took on a more serious tone as voices from across the internet began demanding recognition for the traditional craft and the hardworking artisans who have been keeping the legacy of Kolhapuris alive for generations. The brand in question eventually acknowledged that their creation drew “inspiration” from the iconic Indian slipper. They also committed to opening conversations with Indian craftsmen and industry stakeholders associated with the heritage, which dates back over 800 years.
Internet Applauds Kareena’s Support for Local Tradition
Kareena’s post quickly went viral and gained momentum across online platforms, especially on Reddit’s Bolly Blinds Gossip community. Fans and followers praised her for standing up for Indian artisans and traditional design. Many users voiced frustration at how global brands often adopt Indian elements—whether in fashion, textiles, or patterns—without offering appropriate recognition or credit.
One Redditor highlighted how this form of cultural appropriation has persisted for years, recalling how Indian Bandhani prints were previously repackaged as “bandanas” in the West. Another user criticized the frequent pattern of Asian and particularly Indian innovations being rebranded or copied without acknowledgment, calling it a longstanding issue that continues to deny Indian creatives the recognition they deserve.
A Break in London
While her social media post gained traction, Kareena has been unwinding in London with her family. A video making rounds online captured the actress enjoying a relaxed outing with her husband, Saif Ali Khan, and their sons, Taimur and Jeh. The family was seen walking through the city’s vibrant streets, sampling local cuisine, and soaking in the London vibe, adding a personal touch to the professional buzz Kareena stirred with her statement.
In the photograph, Kareena wore a stylish variant of the Kolhapuri chappals with a shimmering metallic tint, subtly highlighting their aesthetic appeal and cultural value. Her post came shortly after a globally renowned Italian fashion house showcased footwear strikingly similar to Kolhapuris during a fashion show. The runway display immediately triggered backlash on social media, as many viewers criticized the luxury brand for not giving due credit to the artisans and the centuries-old Indian heritage behind the design.
The controversy took on a more serious tone as voices from across the internet began demanding recognition for the traditional craft and the hardworking artisans who have been keeping the legacy of Kolhapuris alive for generations. The brand in question eventually acknowledged that their creation drew “inspiration” from the iconic Indian slipper. They also committed to opening conversations with Indian craftsmen and industry stakeholders associated with the heritage, which dates back over 800 years.
Internet Applauds Kareena’s Support for Local Tradition
Kareena’s post quickly went viral and gained momentum across online platforms, especially on Reddit’s Bolly Blinds Gossip community. Fans and followers praised her for standing up for Indian artisans and traditional design. Many users voiced frustration at how global brands often adopt Indian elements—whether in fashion, textiles, or patterns—without offering appropriate recognition or credit.
One Redditor highlighted how this form of cultural appropriation has persisted for years, recalling how Indian Bandhani prints were previously repackaged as “bandanas” in the West. Another user criticized the frequent pattern of Asian and particularly Indian innovations being rebranded or copied without acknowledgment, calling it a longstanding issue that continues to deny Indian creatives the recognition they deserve.
A Break in London
While her social media post gained traction, Kareena has been unwinding in London with her family. A video making rounds online captured the actress enjoying a relaxed outing with her husband, Saif Ali Khan, and their sons, Taimur and Jeh. The family was seen walking through the city’s vibrant streets, sampling local cuisine, and soaking in the London vibe, adding a personal touch to the professional buzz Kareena stirred with her statement.
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