Insider Feature: The Prada - Kolhapuri Controversy

The Birkin bag is one of the most desired objects in fashion and one of the hardest to access. In this Insider Feature, The Fashion Insider breaks down why you can’t simply walk into Hermès and buy one.Hosted by Nakul Lax, this episode unpacks the real structure behind the Birkin: how the system works, why scarcity is intentional, and how access is controlled through waiting, discretion, and unspoken rules. From the myth of the waiting list to boutique politics, UK vs US differences, celebrity treatment, resale markets, and the psychology of exclusivity, this episode reveals what luxury gatekeeping really looks like from the inside.This is not a shopping guide.It’s an explanation of power, desire, and why being told “no” has become the ultimate luxury.

This summer, Prada sent sandals down the Milan runway and ignited a global conversation.In this Insider Feature, Nakul Lax breaks down what actually happened at Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 show, why Kolhapuri chappals were instantly recognised, and how the brand’s initial silence led to widespread backlash.Through detailed context, cultural history, and a clear timeline of events, this episode explores the origins of Kolhapuri chappals, the economic reality behind the craft, and the questions raised when heritage enters the luxury system without acknowledgment.From Prada’s response to the collaboration that followed, this feature looks closely at accountability in fashion and why public voices still matter.Thoughtful and unfiltered, this is fashion, slowed down and seen clearly.Follow Nakul at www.instagram.com/nakullax

Zara Lamy has already worked with some of the biggest houses in the world, from Valentino, Saint Laurent, and Courrèges to Elie Saab and Louis Vuitton. And yet, her journey is only just beginning.In this conversation, Zara opens up about her childhood, how she first discovered fashion, and the moment her break into the industry finally arrived. She shares the realities behind the runways she’s walked, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the vision she’s shaping for her future. A grounded, intimate look at a model at the very start of an extraordinary path.You can follow Zara at www.instagram.com/zara.lamyYou can follow Nakul at www.instagram.com/nakullax

The house of Versace is facing one of its most dramatic chapters in decades. With Dario Vitale’s sudden exit and Prada Group’s takeover now in full effect, the brand stands at a crossroads. In this Fashion Insider feature, Nakul Lax unpacks the present shake-up, the reactions to Vitale’s lone collection, and the deeper identity struggles shaping the house today.Tracing the story back to Gianni’s visionary rise, his tragic death, Donatella’s era of survival and reinvention, and the tensions of corporate control, this episode blends history, analysis, and cultural insight to ask the ultimate question: What is Versace now and who can lead it next?

Freja McLean joins Nakul Lax in Episode 26 of The Fashion Insider. Freja talks about why she decided to take a break from modelling and turn down significant modelling opportunities. There’s also insight into Freja’s framework and philosophies on life along with hearing about Freja’s experiences working in the fashion industry. Freja also takes about her trip to India and what she gained from the experience of being out in Rishikesh.You can follow Freja at www.instagram.com/frejamcleanYou can follow Nakul at www.instagram.com/nakullax

Anna Lochert joins Nakul Lax in Ep 25 of The Fashion Insider. Anna has just finished Milan and Paris Fashion Week where she walked for the biggest brands in fashion including Gucci, Versace, Givenchy and Schiaparelli in her debut season. Anna talks about her journey in fashion so far, from the casting to the show. We also hear and get to know more about Anna as a person, her goals and ambitions, her way of managing her mental health and her connection to spirituality. You can follow Anna at https://www.instagram.com/annalochert/You can follow Nakul at https://www.instagram.com/nakullax

Nakul is joined my fashion model Eve Nakkachdji in Episode 24 of The Fashion Insider as they talk about all things fashion including body positivity, the highs and lows of being a model and the toxic diets. Eve talks about what it was like shooting for and featuring in elite fashion magazines such as Vogue Magazine, Grazia and L'Officiel. Eve also talks about how she deals with her mental health and what her hobbies and passions are away from being a model.You can follow Eve at www.instagram.com/eve.nakkachdjiYou can follow Nakul at www.instagram.com/nakullaxYou can email us at [email protected]

In Episode 23 of The Fashion Insider, Nakul is joined by designer Susan Fang who has just showcased her impeccable latest collection at London Fashion Week. Susan talks in depth about her brand, childhood, vision, inspirations and much more. Watch the show on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbk5DR5h4oU&t=247sFollow Susan Fang at www.instagram.com/susanfangofficialFollow Nakul Lax at www.instagram.com/nakullaxEmail us at [email protected]

Nakul is joined by fashion model Michelle Ivana in today's episode as they talk about what it's really like being a model. From the model diets to diverse body types in modelling to dealing with difficult agencies, Michelle aka Mishka talks about the highs and lows of life as a model. Mishka also reveals very personal details about her future goals and desires and touches on very important subjects such as relationships and motherhood.You can follow Michelle at www.instagram.com/mishkaivanaYou can follow Nakul at www.instagram.com/nakullaxYou can email us at [email protected]

In Episode 21, Nakul calls out Kanye 'Ye' West for his hate speech and antisemetic comments in recent weeks and explains just why his views are dangerous to society and in particular the Jewish community. There's also a look into just why Balenciaga, Adidas and Anna Wintour have all cut ties with Ye. Nakul also defends Gigi Hadid and Vogue Stylist and Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. You can email us at [email protected] can follow Nakul at www.instagram.com/nakullax