Dior Faces Backlash for $200,000 Coat Using Indian Mukaish Embroidery Without Credit: Jonathan Anderson’s Debut Sparks Outrage

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July 8, 2025

Image of dior — Dior Faces Backlash for $200,000 Coat Using Indian Mukaish Embroidery Without Credit: Jonathan Anderson’s Debut Sparks Outrage

Just days after Prada drew criticism for its questionable take on India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, Dior has landed in hot water over something strikingly similar—this time, for overlooking credit to India’s rich embroidery legacy.

At the heart of the controversy is a gleaming gold-and-ivory houndstooth coat from Dior’s latest collection, the first to be designed entirely by Jonathan Anderson since he took over as the brand’s creative head for both men’s and women’s lines. The show, held in Paris on June 27, drew heavy buzz—not just for the clothes but also for the glittering guest list, which included Rihanna, Robert Pattinson, and Daniel Craig.

But it wasn’t a celebrity that sparked the conversation online. It was fashion analyst and creator Hanan Besnovic, who posted a detailed video zooming in on the intricate metal-thread embroidery on that standout coat. Besnovic pointed out that the embroidery style is unmistakably “mukaish”—a delicate and historic hand-embroidery technique from Lucknow, India, known for weaving fine metallic strands into fabric.

“This isn’t just any coat. It’s part of a major debut collection, and the technique used is incredibly meticulous. That shimmer? It’s the result of hours of mukaish work—an art that’s been around for centuries in India,” he explains.

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What’s ruffled feathers is that nowhere in the official communication did Dior mention the technique’s Indian roots or acknowledge the artisans behind it. One Instagram user summed up the sentiment best: “Indian craftsmen deserve the same recognition as European ateliers like Lesage. Say what you will about Maria Grazia, but at least she highlighted the Indian hands behind her designs.”

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s “Revenge Dress” Reinvention Sparks Fashion Talk—Healing, Style & Statement

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July 8, 2025

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Image of Samantha — Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s “Revenge Dress” Reinvention Sparks Fashion Talk—Healing, Style & Statement

From heartbreak red carpet to transformation power-play, Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s black “revenge dress” is making waves—and starting conversations. Originally her wedding outfit, designer Kresha Bajaj reimagined it into a bold black gown. Samantha and Kresha explain it wasn’t about erasing memories—it was reclaiming agency, resilience, and a new narrative.

This isn’t just a dress—it’s a symbol. A powerful step from a personal journey redefined through design. Feminist stylists, mental health advocates, and social media eyes are calling it haute therapy: fashion as healing, couture as courage.

The styling is sleek. Stark black silhouettes, empowered femme lines, and a narrative built into the seams. This is wellness-focused wardrobe: clothes that articulate emotion while uplifting spirit. And the response? Support poured in—from fans praising it as a “cloak of confidence” to mental health voices citing its deeper ripples.

Final Take: Samantha’s transformation isn’t trend—it’s therapy. And it’s art. When fashion becomes a vessel for healing, it goes beyond style—it becomes story, and stays long after the spotlight fades.

Prada’s Kolhapuri Knockoff Sparks ‘Colonial Couture’ Debate—Rightfully or Ridiculously Inspired?

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July 8, 2025

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Image of Prada — Prada’s Kolhapuri Knockoff Sparks ‘Colonial Couture’ Debate—Rightfully or Ridiculously Inspired?

At Milan Fashion Week, Prada’s new tan-leather sandal caught attention—for resembling India’s Kolhapuri chappal almost a bit too closely.

Kolhapuris are a centuries-old artisanal staple, celebrated for rustic handcraft and cultural roots. Yet here was Prada presenting a nearly identical silhouette, sans credit or collaboration. It’s ignited global chatter: is this homage, inspiration, or extraction?

The story extends beyond footwear. It’s a microcosm of persistent questions: who gets to profit off indigenous craft? Should luxury brands acknowledge their sources? And can there be equitable exchanges rather than covert borrowings?

Even without tribunal-level scandal, the buzz damages impression. Consumers today are savvy. They want the origin story—who made it, where it came from, and if credit is due. Prada hasn’t commented yet, but the demand for transparency is growing—and fast.

Final Take: The Prada-Kolhapuri story isn’t just about shoes—it’s a callout. Global brands may be dreaming of artisan cool, but without credit or collaboration, that cool looks colonial. In 2025, cultural respect isn’t optional—it’s fully fashionable.

‘Mean Girls’ Star Avantika Sparks Futuristic Heritage Trend in a Banarasi Saree by Amit Aggarwal

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July 8, 2025

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Image of Avantika — ‘Mean Girls’ Star Avantika Sparks Futuristic Heritage Trend in a Banarasi Saree by Amit Aggarwal

Hollywood meets handloom! Avantika, breakout star from Mean Girls, just captivated global style lists by draping herself in a futuristic Banarasi silk saree designed by Amit Aggarwal at a recent event. The saree retained the opulent drape of traditional Banarasi silk—thick, lustrous, and intricately woven—yet played with geometry, metallic details, and a high-neck blouse. The result? A vision that feels connected to Mughal grandeur but entirely 2025-ready.

Avantika’s look isn’t just about celebrity appeal—it’s a statement on how Indian textiles are evolving. Banarasi, ancient by lineage, can now be runway futuristic. Designer Aggarwal’s collection channels nostalgia while charging it with sleek structure and unexpected textures, positioning Indian handlooms as both heirloom-worthy and avant-garde.

Why does it matter? Because it signals Indian fashion’s global crossover—crafted weaves aren’t just cultural tokens, they’re innovation flags. The world is watching India reclaim its traditions on its own terms, sans filter or apology. Avantika isn’t wearing a saree; she’s wearing heritage in hyperdrive.

Final Take: With Avantika leading the charge, Banarasi silk is breaking out of bridal closets and landing on influencer timelines worldwide. It’s proof India’s handlooms are not just surviving—they’re shape-shifting into future classics.

Malayalam Divas Are Reinventing Wedding Season Style—Kasavu, Organza & Banarasi Drapes to Watch

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July 8, 2025

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Image of banarasi drape — Malayalam Divas Are Reinventing Wedding Season Style—Kasavu, Organza & Banarasi Drapes to Watch

As wedding season heats up in South India, Malayalam actresses are turning traditional bridal wear into trendsetting inspiration. Priya Prakash Varrier arrived in a classic white-and-gold Kasavu saree, evoking nostalgic bridal grace with sindoor and jasmine-strewn hair. Aishwarya Lekshmi stunned in a black organza saree with sequins and a tulle blouse, blending dramatic glam with quiet sophistication. Samyuktha Menon opted for a soft blush-pink Banarasi saree, at once timeless and effortlessly stylish. And Manju Warrier chose a multicolored floral organza saree by Iha Designs—airy, vibrant, and perfect for summer wedding functions.

What’s refreshing here isn’t just colour or fabric—it’s how these actresses are reimagining ethnic draping as a statement. They aren’t following Bollywood routes—they’re choosing heritage craft, millennial styling, and cultural pride. The result? A fusion of nostalgia and novelty that feels rooted yet ready for style stories.

Designers and brands have already noticed. Expect ready-made Kasavu-coordinated sets, sequined organza separates, and pastel Banarasi ensembles to hit both bridal boutiques and real-wedding wish lists.

Final Take: This isn’t just a celeb moment—it’s an ethnic resurgence. South Indian sarees are stepping off the shrine and onto social media feeds. And in 2025, wedding fashion is all about thoughtful texture, cultural connection, and contemporary craft.

Kapil Sharma Just Stepped Into a Whole New Business in Canada: And It Has Nothing to Do with Jokes, Mics, or Netflix

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July 7, 2025

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Image-of-kaps cafe — Kapil Sharma Just Stepped Into a Whole New Business in Canada: And It Has Nothing to Do with Jokes, Mics, or Netflix

Comedian Kapil Sharma, best known for making India laugh for over a decade, is now making waves in a whole new space—hospitality. Along with his wife Ginni Chatrath, Kapil has launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, and it’s turning heads for more than just the name.

Tucked away in a lively part of Surrey with a strong South Asian presence, the café is hard to miss. With its pastel-pink interiors, velvet chairs, floral walls, and quirky touches like a life-size giraffe, it feels like stepping into a dessert-themed dream. The vibe is equal parts whimsical and relaxed—perfect for catching up over chai or snapping that perfect Instagram story.

But it’s not just the look that’s drawing crowds. The café’s menu blends cozy comfort with fun twists: think gur-wali chai, matcha iced coffee, chocolatey brownies, and flaky croissants that have already become local favorites. The pistachio-lemon cake, in particular, is being talked about almost as much as Kapil himself.

While still in its early days, Kap’s Café has already built serious hype. Kapil and Ginni shared snippets from their soft launch on social media, and the response was immediate—footfall surged, and their Instagram account crossed 20,000 followers in no time. Visitors say the staff is warm, the space inviting, and the vibe very “Kapil”—down-to-earth, fun, and slightly unexpected.

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Even as he manages this new venture, Kapil hasn’t hit pause on entertainment. He continues to host The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix and is juggling multiple film projects. But clearly, Canada now holds a little piece of his heart—and a whole café full of his flavour.

Sanya Malhotra’s Bree Matcha Launch Blows Up on Instagram: Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About Her 87K-Liked Reel

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July 7, 2025

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Image of bree matcha. — Sanya Malhotra’s Bree Matcha Launch Blows Up on Instagram: Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About Her 87K-Liked Reel

Sanya Malhotra has kicked off her entrepreneurial journey in style—and a little bit of groove. The actress, known for her effortless charm and expressive dance moves, didn’t just announce her new brand Bree Matcha with a press release—she danced it into the spotlight.

In a now-viral Instagram video, Malhotra is seen performing a slick, feel-good dance routine while holding a cup of matcha. Shot in soft morning light with playful transitions and vibrant beats, the reel captures her energy and the brand’s calm-meets-cool vibe. Wearing a breezy green outfit (naturally), she twirls, sips, and smiles her way through the video, which has already crossed 87,000 likes and counting. The comments section is filled with heart emojis, fans asking for the choreography tutorial, and curious newcomers wondering where to get “that green drink.”

The video has done more than just entertain—it’s generated massive organic buzz for Bree Matcha, Sanya’s new premium matcha label, launched in partnership with Essenzaa Nutrition’s Kunal Shah and Siddharth Shah. While many celebrities drop brands and vanish, Sanya has rolled up her sleeves—and rolled out the dance floor—to build something she clearly connects with.

A Japanese Ritual Meets Indian Hustle

At the heart of Bree Matcha is a mix of tradition and mindfulness. The brand draws inspiration from the serene routines of Japanese tea ceremonies, bringing that same sense of intention into the lives of fast-paced Indian consumers. The lineup is simple but curated: Everyday Matcha for those looking to swap coffee for something smoother, Ceremonial Matcha for purists, and a complete Ceremonial Matcha Kit for those wanting the full experience—bowl, bamboo whisk, spoon and all.

What sets Bree apart is not just the vibe, but the source. The matcha is grown in Kagoshima, Japan, known for its mineral-rich soil and high-grade leaves. It’s then blended with the nutritional know-how of Essenzaa, a company that’s carved a space in the Indian clean-label wellness space with its clinically supported, no-nonsense products.

Sanya’s personal matcha story started when she began incorporating it into her daily routine as a way to slow down and re-center—something many of us are trying to do in our screen-heavy, high-speed lives. The collaboration with Essenzaa grew out of shared values: clean ingredients, thoughtful routines, and products that don’t just look good on a shelf but actually work.

From ritual to reel, Sanya has managed to turn matcha into a vibe—and now, a brand. Bree Matcha isn’t just here to sell you a drink. It’s asking you to pause, sip, maybe even dance a little. And judging by the response online, a lot of people are ready to do exactly that.

Why This Oxford-Educated PhD Now Works 10-Hour Days Delivering Food in China!

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July 7, 2025

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Ding Yuanzhao, 39, holds multiple advanced degrees—including a PhD in biology from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and a master’s in biodiversity from Oxford. Years ago, he was celebrated for nearly acing China’s notoriously difficult gaokao exam, earning him admission to the prestigious Tsinghua University. He later added a master’s in energy engineering from Peking University to his résumé.

Yet despite this long list of elite credentials, Ding’s reality today is far from what many would expect. After his postdoctoral stint at the National University of Singapore ended in March last year, Ding hit a wall. He sent out countless job applications, sat through more than ten interviews, and waited—for responses that never came.

With no promising opportunities in sight, he signed up as a food delivery rider in Singapore. Clocking around 10 hours a day, he made the equivalent of roughly ₹47,000 a week—enough to cover his family’s needs. “The job is steady, the money pays the bills, and I stay fit while doing it,” he said in a candid social media post. He also mentioned that tutoring was off the table—not due to a lack of qualifications, but because he felt too awkward approaching potential clients.

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After several months, Ding moved back to China and now works with Meituan, one of the country’s largest food delivery platforms, in Beijing.

His story has triggered heated discussions online, with many questioning what academic success is really worth in today’s job market. As China’s youth unemployment rate (excluding students) reached 14.9% in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Ding’s situation feels less like an outlier and more like a symptom of a much larger problem.

While some sympathized with his struggle, others praised his willingness to do honest work instead of holding out for a “dignified” job. Regardless of where people stand, Ding’s journey has struck a chord—and opened up a broader conversation about the mismatch between higher education and real-world opportunity.

MR.DIY Signs Rajkummar Rao for Bold New Campaign ‘Milega Kya, Mat Pooch’ as Brand Crosses 110 Cities & 15,000 Products

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July 7, 2025

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Image of mr.diy — MR.DIY Signs Rajkummar Rao for Bold New Campaign ‘Milega Kya, Mat Pooch’ as Brand Crosses 110 Cities & 15,000 Products

MR.DIY, the largest home improvement and lifestyle retailer in Asia, has roped in acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao as its new brand ambassador. The collaboration kicks off with a quirky and high-energy campaign rolling out across India, built around the catchy slogan: “Milega Kya, Mat Pooch – MR.DIY Has SABKUCH.”

Known for its rapid growth and massive footprint, MR.DIY has quickly made its way into the hearts of Indian shoppers. With stores spread across more than 110 cities and over 2 million sq. ft. of retail space already in place, the brand is aiming even higher—with plans to more than double its footprint to 5 million sq. ft. in the next five years.

Step into any MR.DIY store, and you’ll find over 15,000 items carefully chosen across 10 diverse categories—from household goods and home decor to toys, tools, fashion accessories, tech gear, and festive must-haves. Whether you’re picking up everyday basics or stumbling across an unexpected gem, the experience is designed to be both fun and easy on the pocket.

What truly sets MR.DIY apart is its commitment to making value-driven shopping accessible to all. With prices starting at just ₹19, the brand proves that good quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. ‘Always Low Prices’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a belief system that drives everything they do.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

In the launch film, Rajkummar Rao takes on the role of a cheeky, inquisitive reporter on a mission to uncover the secret behind MR.DIY’s vast product range and shockingly low prices. His natural charm, humour, and down-to-earth vibe bring the campaign to life, making it easy for viewers to relate to the thrill of discovering a place that truly has it all.

From essentials to surprises, MR.DIY is more than just a store—it’s a treasure trove for every member of the household. And with Rajkummar Rao now part of the family, the brand is set to connect with a wider audience than ever before.

Lenskart Eyes the Future: Invests in Ajna Lens to Tap Into ₹30,000 Crore Smart Glasses Market

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July 7, 2025

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Image of ajna lens. — Lenskart Eyes the Future: Invests in Ajna Lens to Tap Into ₹30,000 Crore Smart Glasses Market

Eyewear giant Lenskart is diving headfirst into the smart wearables space with a fresh investment in Ajna Lens, a Mumbai-based tech company known for building cutting-edge smart glasses. While the size of the deal hasn’t been revealed, the move signals Lenskart’s growing interest in blending fashion with futuristic tech.

Ajna Lens, launched in 2014 and operating out of Thane, has been making waves in the deep-tech scene. The company focuses on spatial computing, AI-powered vision systems, and extended reality (XR), crafting smart glasses that go beyond just correcting vision—they aim to transform it.

With this partnership, Lenskart wants to bring its strength in stylish yet functional eyewear to the table. The goal? To co-create smart glasses that aren’t just cool gadgets for the elite, but practical and affordable tools for everyday use.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

“This is more than just an investment—it’s a long-term vision to make smart eyewear part of daily life,” the company said in its announcement.

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At Milan Fashion Week, Prada’s new tan-leather sandal caught attention—for resembling India’s Kolhapuri chappal almost a bit too closely.

Kolhapuris are a centuries-old artisanal staple, celebrated for rustic handcraft and cultural roots. Yet here was Prada presenting a nearly identical silhouette, sans credit or collaboration. It’s ignited global chatter: is this homage, inspiration, or extraction?

The story extends beyond footwear. It’s a microcosm of persistent questions: who gets to profit off indigenous craft? Should luxury brands acknowledge their sources? And can there be equitable exchanges rather than covert borrowings?

Even without tribunal-level scandal, the buzz damages impression. Consumers today are savvy. They want the origin story—who made it, where it came from, and if credit is due. Prada hasn’t commented yet, but the demand for transparency is growing—and fast.

Final Take: The Prada-Kolhapuri story isn’t just about shoes—it’s a callout. Global brands may be dreaming of artisan cool, but without credit or collaboration, that cool looks colonial. In 2025, cultural respect isn’t optional—it’s fully fashionable.

A Japanese Ritual Meets Indian Hustle