From Cartier bracelets to Hermès bags, from toys to couture gowns—celebs have been repeatedly outed for flaunting fakes. The latest storm surrounds Rahul Mishra’s iconic designs, illegally replicated and worn by stars
India’s fashion industry was jolted when Rahul Mishra, one of the country’s most celebrated designers, revealed that his motifs had been copied and sold as counterfeits—and, worn by high-profile celebrities. Recently, rapper Badshah, TV host Kapil Sharma, and influencer Orry—caught flaunting knockoffs of his creations.
The Couture Courtroom Drama
The debate moved beyond Instagram when designer Rahul Mishra took counterfeiters to the Delhi High Court. His complaint: brazen copies of his “Tigress” motif and Sunderbans floral designs being sold online for a fraction of the price. The shocker? Celebrities wearing those very knockoffs. Kapil Sharma even sported one on his Netflix show. But Mishra clarified—his case wasn’t against the stars. It was aimed at counterfeit manufacturers and sellers in Surat, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. “This fight is about more than fabric—it’s about preserving dignity of handcraft, protecting livelihoods, and safeguarding the creative spirit that makes Indian fashion respected worldwide,” Mishra’s counsel told the court.
The verdict favoured him, reaffirming that counterfeits harm both exclusivity and artisans.
Recently, rapper Badshah, influencer Orry and TV host Kapil Sharma caught flaunting knockoffs of Rahul’s creations
Urvashi Rautela: Criticised first for an fake Hermès bag, then again for flaunting fake Labubu dolls at Wimbledon.
Ananya Panday: Admitted her dangling “Labubu” dolls were fakes—nicknamed Lafufus—after a friend mistakenly ordered 100 counterfeits while launching a business.
Kareena Kapoor Khan (2022) – Accused by Diet Sabya of flaunting a fake Cartier Love bracelet, bluntly tagged online as a “gandi copy.”
