Yesterday in Los Angeles, the highly anticipated premiere of the film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights took place. The star of the evening was 35-year-old Margot Robbie. Before photographers, the actress posed in an elegant Schiaparelli gown with a plunging neckline, completing the look with an exclusive Cartier necklace featuring the legendary heart-shaped «Taj Mahal» diamond.

However, immediately after stepping onto the red carpet, Robbie faced a wave of outrage from Indian audiences. The controversy centered on the Cartier pendant.

In discussing the piece, Robbie mentioned that it had previously belonged to Elizabeth Taylor but did not highlight its earlier history. The pendant was originally a family heirloom of Jahangir, ruler of the Mughal Empire.

The actress’s social media accounts were quickly flooded with comments accusing her of cultural appropriation and demanding the heirloom’s return to India. Users spoke of «history theft», «colonial legacy», and disrespect toward the artifact’s cultural origins.

Photo: Instagram @margotrobbieofficial

Renowned fashion brand Prada has found itself at the center of controversy due to its new collection presented at Milan Men’s Fashion Week. On the runway, leather footwear was showcased that the Indian public quickly identified as traditional «Kolhapuri» sandals – named after the city of Kolhapur.

These sandals are handmade from natural buffalo or goat leather without the use of any metal components. They are characterized by an open toe, thick sole, and intricate embroidery. The thick sole provides excellent cushioning, while the open front allows the foot to breathe. In 2019, the Indian government granted Kolhapuri sandals Geographical Indication (GI) status – certifying their regional origin and marking them as authentic cultural heritage.

Indian artisans and activists pointed out that Prada failed to acknowledge the cultural roots of the design, instead presenting the footwear as a generic leather model. Craftspeople expressed particular frustration over the drastic price difference: while such sandals can be purchased in India for around $12, Prada’s version costs nearly $850.

Later, Prada representatives clarified that the design was inspired by Indian Kolhapuri sandals and updated the description on their official platforms.

Photo: Instagram @prada, depositphotos