Heritage Hijacked: When Luxury Labels Overlook Our Origins, India Should Walk Away
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. Prada’s cultural appropriati...
