Step into any global luxury store today—from Paris to Las Vegas to Hawaii—and you are likely to find a quiet but unmistakable presence shaping its future: the discerning Indian consumer. No longer on the periphery, Indians are now at the heart of the luxury equation, driving demand not just with spending power, but with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and prestige. India’s influence in the luxury market is more visible than ever—whether it’s at the world’s only open-air designer shopping mall in Hawaii or the ultra-fine dining experience at Louis Vuitton’s Gaggan in Bangkok. The era of the Indian window shopper is a thing of the past.

In 2023, India’s domestic luxury market stood at roughly $17 billion, with projections to triple by 2030. Yet, when international brands borrow from India’s cultural treasure troves without acknowledging their source, the admiration of Indian buyers can turn to indignation—and even boycott.

A few days ago, luxury fashion house Prada found itself in hot water after unveiling its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan. Among the showcased items was a pair of “leather sandals" that bore an unmistakable resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals—traditional handcrafted footwear deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s cultural and artisanal heritage.

However, the show notes made no mention of their Indian origin. The omission sparked immediate backlash across India’s fashion community, with artisans and cultural advocates accusing Prada of cultural appropriation and possible violation of geographical indication (GI) rights.

In response, Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), wrote to Prada demanding public acknowledgement and fair engagement with the artisan communities who have preserved this design over centuries. “Kolhapuri chappals represent........

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