Prada's Rs 2.73 lakh tote bag compared to Indian Railways floors, internet flooded with memes

Prada once again finds itself at the centre of online banter for its luxury designs that netizens claim borrow heavily from Indian culture (Image: findingoodads/instagram)

Luxury fashion giant Prada has landed in yet another online storm, barely weeks after it stirred controversy with Kolhapuri-inspired sandals. This time, the buzz is centred around its newest men’s tote bag, which netizens say bears a striking resemblance to the patterned floors of Indian Railways trains.

The Prada men’s tote features a metallic, industrial-style finish with hot-stamped leather detailing. The bag comes with a dust bag and a dedicated water bottle compartment, aiming for a minimalist, sophisticated design. Despite its sleek design credentials, the resemblance to the Indian Railways floor hasn’t gone unnoticed.

What has really got people talking is the bag’s price tag. Retailing at over Rs 2.73 lakh, the tote has social media users drawing hilarious parallels between Prada’s luxury designs and everyday Indian life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Finding Good Ads | Marketing | Advertising (@findingoodads)

Twitter and Instagram quickly flooded with memes and witty remarks. One user quipped, “We want credits #mumbailocals,” while another joked, “Prada is like that one ex who is obsessed with India.” Others were more direct: “These so-called luxury brands have lost it,” read one comment, while another said, “Draws comparison? That’s an exact replica of Indian train floors.”

Some even called it performance art. “Prada is a social experiment,” one account posted. Another simply remarked, “Someone’s kidding at their design dept.”

This isn’t Prada’s first brush with Indian-inspired designs. Earlier in June, at the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan, the brand showcased traditional Kolhapuri chappals on the runway. The leather sandals were elevated to a high-end look with breezy cotton shirts and raffia hats. Desi fashion fans, however, were incensed by the action and accused the brand of stealing without giving credit. Although criticism persisted, Prada acknowledged the Kolhapuri inspiration after the backlash.

Also Read: Mini and micro bags: Tiny stars of Fall 2025 fashion

Now, with the tote bag fiasco, many Indians are amused at the brand’s recurring fascination with local culture and design. While some see it as a lack of originality, others are enjoying the global spotlight on familiar patterns from daily life.

Either way, Prada seems to have mastered the art of keeping the internet talking.