Gold-colored metal brooch: The world of fashion has always been a topic of discussion, sometimes because of its creative style and sometimes because of its outlandish prices. But recently, something that luxury brand Prada made headlines for surprised people. It’s not about a new designer dress or a rare diamond, but about a simple safety pin, the price of which has been kept at over Rs 38 lakh. In the eyes of people, it seemed like a joke, because the same safety pin is easily available in local markets for a few rupees. This news spread like wildfire on social media and sparked controversy. Should the meaning of “luxury” really be so exaggerated? Interestingly, this is not the first time Prada has faced criticism. Some time ago, the brand courted controversy by selling sandals similar to traditional Kolhapuri sandals in India for Rs 1.2 lakh. Even then, people were wondering if foreign brands were making profit by selling Indian traditions in the name of ‘fashion trends’?
Simple gold metal pin
Prada recently introduced a gold-tone metal brooch on its official website, which was priced at around 380 Euros, which is around Rs 38,600. The only thing written about this product on the website is “This metal brooch comes with a sophisticated design and the Prada logo.” Meaning there are no special features or unique technologies, just a simple pin engraved with the brand name.
People’s reaction
People couldn’t comprehend this. “This is a $775 pin. Now I understand what rich people do with their money,” one Instagram user quipped. “If this is a luxury, then we should start selling our everyday items too,” another user said.
This is not the first time Prada has faced such criticism. Earlier this year, the brand launched a pair of sandals similar to India’s traditional Kolhapuri sandals, which were priced around Rs 1.2 lakh. Designers and fashionistas from India were quick to express that this was a case of ‘cultural appropriation’ where works of art or crafts of a country are sold under one’s own brand name without giving credit.
The indigenous slippers of Kolhapur have been the identity of India for centuries. These are handcrafted and are an example of Indian craftsmanship. But when Prada sold the same design at a high price as exotic “leather sandals,” people wondered: Was this respect for art or exploitation of it?
As the controversy escalated, the brand admitted that its design was inspired by the Indian Kolhapuri style. Although this acceptance came very late, it sparked a major debate about the need for the global fashion industry to give due credit to artisans and traditional cultures.
The safety pin issue has given further depth to this debate. The question arises again: what is the definition of “luxury”? Is it just the brand name and logo, or should the thought, hard work and benefit behind the product also be included?
Fashionistas believe that the goal of brands should be to respect creativity, not to make ordinary things part of the look of the wealthy by associating the label with the “elite.”
