London: A household staple, the humble safety pin—often found in every woman’s purse—has taken a bizarre turn into the world of luxury fashion. Italian brand Prada has launched a safety pin brooch priced at ₹68,758 (approximately £775), a cost equivalent to around 5 grams of gold.
The product, which is essentially a metal safety pin with a bit of thread and a small Prada charm, has drawn widespread criticism online. Many are questioning how an item that typically sells for ₹5–₹10 per pack in the general market could command such an exorbitant price.
Social media users have called the move “branding madness,” accusing Prada of turning a basic household item into an overpriced luxury accessory.
This is not the first time the brand has faced backlash. Earlier this year, Prada was criticised for cultural appropriation after launching footwear resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals.
With this latest release, the brand once again finds itself at the centre of controversy for attempting to give a ‘luxury’ makeover to an everyday Indian essential.
