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City parks reveal surprising wildlife secrets from soil
As cities rapidly grow, expanding by an area almost double the size of France by 2030, natural spaces are being replaced by buildings and roads. This massive urban spread is hitting wildlife hard, wiping out their homes, cranking up temperatures, and creating dangerous concrete jungles.

It’s a tough situation for many animals on the move. Cities can be tempting with easy food and fewer natural predators, but they also come with deadly risks like traffic and lost pathways.

While past studies used cameras or sound to monitor urban wildlife, a new Yale study takes a different approach by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil in 21 Detroit parks during winter and summer to uncover how mammal diversity changes with the seasons in urban landscapes.

The study aimed to understand how human activity shapes mammal communities in urban areas. By sampling environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil across 21 Detroit parks, researchers uncovered subtle, park-specific shifts in species composition, influenced by both natural and human-related factors, and larger parks supported greater biodiversity.

eDNA revealed seasonal changes and human presence effects on urban wildlife. These insights offer a promising tool for more adaptive and informed urban biodiversity planning, helping cities better balance green space with growing human footprints.

Measuring the effects of natural events on wildlife

Researchers analyzed soil samples from 21 urban parks in Detroit, Michigan, during February and July 2023. They detected DNA from 23 mammal species, including humans. They confirmed these results using iNaturalist wildlife sightings.

The DNA samples revealed seasonal shifts in mammal presence. Hibernators like groundhogs and muskrats were absent in winter samples, reflecting seasonal behaviors. During winter, animals were more clustered, likely due to resource competition and limited movement.

In summer, eDNA patterns revealed that mammals were more dispersed across landscapes, with fewer cross-species interactions due to abundant resources. Larger parks supported wider-ranging species, and coyotes appeared only in parks over 14.4 hectares.

Human DNA made up about one-third of all samples, highlighting constant human presence. Domesticated animal DNA (from cats, dogs, pigs, and cattle) reinforced the idea that urban parks are shared socio-ecological spaces.

Human presence influenced wildlife makeup, generalist and human-tolerant mammals thrived in busier areas, while more sensitive species were less commonly detected.

To protect urban biodiversity, especially wide-ranging species, researchers recommend expanding green spaces and building wildlife corridors that link parks together.

As cities continue to grow, these connected landscapes could be key to maintaining resilient ecosystems that support both nature and human well-being.

Journal Reference
1. Jane Hallam and Nyeema C. Harris. Network dynamics revealed from eDNA highlight seasonal variation in urban mammal communities. Journal of Animal Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.70082
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June 30, 2025
Allergies and Asthma Prevalence Rise With Climate Change Extremes and Pollutants
Increasing environmental events driven by climate change and human activity exacerbate allergy and asthma conditions, further compounded by exposure to persistent pollutants like per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances and microplastics. | Image Credit: Habibur – stock.adobe.com

Allergy and asthma were linked with environmental events that are increasing in prevalence alongside natural disasters and other extreme weather events, including algal blooms, floods, heat stress, wildfires, and thunderstorms that are coinciding with emissions of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics as downstream outcomes of these environmental events, according to a study published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports.¹

Human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, are largely responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions driving these environmental changes. Weather intensity like droughts and floods have experienced dramatic rises over the past 5 years, based on data from NASA.² Extreme weather is occurring more frequently, becoming longer-lasting, and more severe.

The respiratory tract is highly vulnerable to these environmental stressors.¹ Asthma, a common chronic disease, affects nearly 25 million Americans and is exacerbated by air pollutants and extreme weather. Similarly, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and food allergies, reported by 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children in the US, are worsened by conditions like high temperatures and thunderstorms. As environmental threats increase respiratory contaminant exposure, continued investigation into these intertwined health outcomes is crucial.

Extreme heat events, or heat waves, are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged. This poses a higher risk of premature death from respiratory diseases, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions. Heat stress commonly exacerbates asthma by increasing inflammation, activating sensory fibers, and disrupting epithelial barriers, leading to bronchoconstriction.

High temperatures can also alter cytokine expression and T helper cell ratios, affect mucus production, and disrupt airway structural proteins. The interplay between environmental substances and extreme heat requires further research to understand additive, synergistic, or antagonistic health effects. Additionally, longer pollen seasons are introducing new allergenic species, likely worsening asthma and allergy cases.

Warmer weather, earlier snowmelt, and hotter spring and summer temperatures are escalating the intensity, frequency, and duration of wildfires. These fires release harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitric oxide, ozone, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Exposure to wildfire smoke is directly linked to more emergency department visits for respiratory issues, as well as increased respiratory illness and mortality. Perinatal wildfire smoke exposure can lead to earlier use of upper respiratory medications and a higher risk of respiratory birth defects in children. Wildfire smoke also worsens asthma symptoms and increases asthma-related hospitalizations, particularly for young children. Epigenetic changes may contribute to these health outcomes, requiring further research.

The expansion of the wildland-urban interface, where human development meets wildlands, increases the risk of human-ignited wildfires. Fires in these areas are unique because they burn not only biomass but also homes, vehicles, and other synthetic materials, creating a distinct and poorly understood pulmonary toxicity profile. According to the authors, a key goal is to develop effective interventions to prevent adverse wildfire smoke exposure outcomes for communities, especially vulnerable populations like those with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Changing temperatures, weather patterns, and water acidification from increased CO₂ emissions have altered average surface water conditions, which in turn increases the risk of harmful algal blooms by expanding both the geographic range and seasonal growth windows of the different marine and freshwater phytoplankton species that comprise harmful algal blooms. While harmful algal blooms may seem like a niche public health burden, 15% of global asthma cases in coastal regions can be attributed to aerosolized harmful algal blooms toxins. Pulmonary exposure to harmful algal blooms has linked toxins to rapid onset of respiratory irritation symptoms such as cough and congestion, along with increases in hospital admission rates for respiratory diseases. The distance harmful algal blooms aerosols can travel is also unclear, especially as it relates to the size of the at-risk population and the mixtures of aerosolized harmful algal blooms toxins amongst other atmospheric copollutants.

Floods, whether from sea or freshwater, heighten the risk of respiratory diseases, infections, and asthma exacerbations. This is primarily due to mold and microbial growth in flooded buildings. The sensitization to mold and fungi spores creates a proinflammatory environment, triggering conditions like allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. Further research is needed to understand chronic flood-induced pulmonary issues and identify the specific mold and fungal strains responsible.

Thunderstorm asthma is a global phenomenon characterized by an increase in asthma attacks after thunderstorms. It’s likely caused by a combination of high aeroallergen concentrations like ryegrass pollen, rain, and storm conditions that bring pollen to ground level. During a storm, pollen grains can rupture into smaller, more easily aerosolized subparticles due to physical disturbances. While fungal spores are abundant aeroallergens, their link to asthma exacerbations and thunderstorm asthma is not yet firmly established.

PFAS are pervasive, persistent organic compounds used in consumer goods for their nonstick properties. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them extremely difficult to degrade, posing a significant threat to environmental and human health. Humans are exposed through ingestion, absorption, and inhalation. PFAS exposure can alter inflammasome function in the lung, impacting immune response. Further research is needed to establish comprehensive limits, legislation, and public awareness regarding these chemicals.

Microplastics are expected to increase in the environment and human bodies due to climate change impacts like increased precipitation and melting glaciers. Once released, microplastics do not easily degrade, persisting in environmental media. Inhaled microplastics, with their hydrophobic surfaces, may carry other pollutants and are linked to adverse respiratory outcomes such as irritation, interstitial lung disease, wheezing, and inflammation. More research is needed to understand their biological effects on pulmonary health, exposure routes, internal transport, and overall impact.

“In the future, meta-analyses to quantify the health effects of natural disasters could be an important tool to inform public health measures. It is thus especially relevant for the scientific community also to begin exploring prevention and mitigation techniques in preparation for future disasters,” the authors concluded.

References
1. Chou CK, Winker R, Rebuli ME, et al. Respiratory health impacts from natural disasters and other extreme weather events: the role of environmental stressors on asthma and allergies. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2025(25);3-19. doi:10.1007/s11882-025-01206-9
2. Harrabin R. Nasa data reveals dramatic rise in intensity of weather events. The Guardian. June 17, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/17/nasa-data-reveals-dramatic-rise-in-intensity-of-weather-events
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June 30, 2025
County Championship: Yorks v Essex – Adam Lyth hits unbeaten 65 on day two

The County Championship clash between Division One strugglers Yorkshire and Essex is nicely poised at its midway point after an engaging day two at York.

Essex closed on 248-3 on the opening day, but things were different upon the resumption this morning, with Yorkshire claiming the last seven Essex wickets for 95 on a placid Clifton Park pitch, bowling the visitors out for 368 during the early stages of the afternoon.

Yorkshire trailed by 225 runs after they closed on 143-3 from 54 overs, including opener Adam Lyth’s 65 not out off 172 balls.

This was a tireless display from a Yorkshire bowling unit who gained little reward on day one, with new-ball seamer Jack White returning 3-68 from 27 overs.

He, alongside George Hill and Dom Bess, struck twice during the first half of day two, while Noah Thain compiled an unbeaten 50 not out off 81 balls.

Thain was then one of Essex’s three wicket-takers before close via his seamers, alongside Shane Snater and Simon Harmer. Like Yorkshire’s bowlers had done, Essex’s bowlers also stuck to their task well in difficult conditions.

Essex’s innings was a curious affair, highlighted by the fact they batted through 110 overs on a pitch lacking pace for 278-6 and only one batting bonus point. They really did seem to get stuck between a rock and hard place on day two. Unable to attack whilst being unable to survive.

While Yorkshire did not race away in their reply, they started more positively than Essex had batted. Lyth drove particularly well.

The White Rose county struck three times in five overs for the addition of only three runs just before midday, as Essex slipped from 273-3 in the 104th over to 276-6 in the 109th. With it, Yorkshire secured a second bowling point.

Hill claimed two of those wickets, with England fringe batter Jordan Cox caught behind for 33 playing off the back foot, and Charlie Allison caught slicing to point.

Thain shared a seventh-wicket 56 with Michael Pepper through until early afternoon and reached his fifty off the last ball that he faced, with the last four wickets falling for 36.

Off-spinner Bess picked up two of those. He had Harmer caught at slip and Snater caught at long-on.

Yorkshire openers Fin Bean and Lyth then started their reply confidently either side of the tea break, sharing 81 on a pitch lacking pace.

Both men pulled confidently, with Bean looking a completely different player to the one who had posted a top score of only 31 in the first seven games.

An impressive 224 on a similarly slow pitch against leaders Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge has done wonders for his confidence.

It will, therefore, have been a major frustration to him that he could not go on beyond 31 as, after tea, he was caught behind down leg off Snater’s seam in the 27th over.

James Wharton then drilled Harmer’s off-spin to mid-on having advanced down the pitch looking to hit over the top – 110 for two in the 34th over.

One man who did go on was Lyth. Sandwiched in between the two wickets, he reached 50 for the seventh time this season, this one off 110 balls.

But the fixture’s fourth leg-side strangle did for Pakistan international Abdullah Shafique for four as Thain left Yorkshire at 125-3 in the 41st over. Pepper took a brilliant one-handed catch going to his left.

Survival was the main aim for Lyth and Jonny Bairstow late on. The former was stuck on 63 from the 39th over until the day’s last. He navigated the threat of Harmer, who was excellent for 1-18 from 15 overs.

Early morning wickets on day three will put eighth-placed Essex in a strong position, whereas second-bottom Yorkshire will know batting big is imperative for their own victory hopes.

ECB Reporters’ Network supported by Rothesay

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June 30, 2025
Microsoft Authenticator will soon ditch passwords for passkeys – here’s what to do

ZDNET

Those of you who use Microsoft Authenticator as a password manager will have to find another option, and soon. That’s because an upcoming change will pull the plug on the ability to use the Authenticator app to store and autofill passwords.

In a recent support document, Microsoft revealed the timeline for Authenticator’s retirement as a password manager. Starting in June, you’ll no longer be able to add or import new passwords in the app, though you’ll still be able to save passwords through the autofill option. Beginning in July, you’ll no longer be able to autofill passwords with Authenticator. Come August, any passwords you’ve saved in the app will no longer be accessible.

Also: 10 passkey survival tips: Prepare for your passwordless future now

Microsoft Authenticator isn’t going away. You’ll still be able to use it for its primary purpose, namely to generate and display multi-factor authentication codes for logging in to secure websites. But its sideline as a password manager will come to an end.

OK, but what should you do if you’ve been saving and using passwords in the app?

Microsoft offers a few suggestions. Your stored passwords are synced to your Microsoft account, which means you can still use them elsewhere. For that, you can turn to Microsoft Edge. In its support document, the company explains how to use Edge to autofill saved passwords. At the same time, you can use this opportunity to review your saved passwords to remove any you no longer need or want.

But Microsoft would really prefer that you start to renounce the dreaded password and move to the more evolved passkey. If you’ve already set up passkeys for your Microsoft account, Authenticator can serve as your passkey provider. If not, now might be the time to make the switch.

There’s a reason we all hate passwords. They’re hard to create and remember, vulnerable to cyberattacks and security threats, and challenging to juggle even with a password manager. In contrast, passkeys offer a more convenient and secure alternative. Authenticating yourself with a passkey requires a PIN, facial scan, fingerprint recognition, or physical security key, all of which are more robust methods than a password.

The main drawback of passkeys is that they can be difficult to sync across multiple devices, especially between a PC and a mobile device. However, using a central repository, such as Microsoft Authenticator, can help with that obstacle.

Also: The best password managers: Expert tested

The Microsoft document on “Register passkeys in Authenticator on Android or iOS devices” explains how to set up the Authenticator app to create passkeys for any supported account. Of course, you can use other programs to generate passkeys. I use my password manager to store passkeys for different sites and accounts, and the process is quick and easy. Plus, since I use my password manager on all my devices — PCs, mobile phones, and tablets — I can access the same passkeys everywhere.

With the deadline looming for Microsoft Authenticator’s retirement as a password manager, now is as good a time as any to start migrating to passkeys.

Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

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June 30, 2025
BeyHive Couture: Vogue Captures Street Style Looks at the Cowboy Carter Show in Houston

Whenever Beyoncé performs in her native Houston, her return creates a rippling homecoming effect across the city. That’s less of a reference to the tour de force singer and songwriter’s 2019 live album and documentary concert film of the same name, but more a nod to true-to-life, Lone Star State homecoming traditions.

The scene outside of NRG Stadium over the weekend for the two-night run of Cowboy Carter shows was nothing short of a pep rally. Texas-sized chrysanthemum corsages were on parade, embellished with ribbons and decorative spirit trinkets, pinned at the shoulder (down South, we call them mums). Red, white, and blue silk sashes sliced through crowds, too, customized to riff on the Grammy Award-winning (Best Country Album, anyone?) record cover. And because June 28 serendipitously doubled as International LGBTQI+ Pride Day, a gulf of self-described queens rounded out this metaphoric homecoming court.

Beyoncé’s past and present onstage fashion inspired street style looks laden with Easter eggs. A number of outfits paid homage to the inaugural NFL 2024 Christmas Day Halftime Show, apropos-dubbed BeyBowl, for the Houston Texas vs. Baltimore Ravens game, which also took place at NRG. Many a concertgoer drew from the furry, feathered, and rhinestone-flecked all-white western wear that stylist and costume designer Shiona Turini produced for Cowboy Carter Christmas. Others paid tribute to classic Americana, with patriotic flags waving through Levi’s or Wrangler denim belt loops.

For Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo competitors, such as sister barrel racers Leah and Elizabeth Zadel, it was an occasion to layer functional cowgirl gear with couture.

“These are Stella McCartney jeans that I saved up for, for a long time with the Ariat boots I always wear,” Leah told Vogue. “And my sister got the idea for her pants from Beyoncé’s custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture outfit for the tour. She sewed on all those conchos after she couldn’t find anything similar and thought, ‘Why not make it myself?’”

Outside of Queen Bey’s hometown hoedown, Vogue photographed some of the most inventive and inspiring looks.

Arturo Valenzuela: “I really went off of her Christmas [halftime show] outfits. With everything going on in the world right now I thought, ‘Let me show up and show out.’ I thought the white really pops on my skin tone. And my sash was made by a designer I found on TikTok.”

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June 30, 2025
John Travolta crashes ‘Grease’ sing-along as Danny Zuko

For “Grease” fans in Los Angeles, recent summer nights had a surprise in store. We’ll tell you more, tell you more.

John Travolta, who brought life to bad boy heartthrob Danny Zuko in the 1978 classic, crashed the Hollywood Bowl’s sing-along event Friday. He surprised not just the audience, but also fellow “Grease” alumni as he sauntered on stage in his character’s signature pompadour and leather jacket.

“No one knew, not even the cast,” Travolta, 71, recalled of the moment in an Instagram post shared Saturday.

The “Pulp Fiction” and “Hairspray” star on Instagram shared a closer look at his Danny Zuko-inspired styling and posted a video of him reuniting with co-stars Didi Conn, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward and “Grease” filmmaker Randal Kleiser. Video from the sing-along shows audiences cheering and celebrating Travolta with a standing ovation. His surprise appearance came before the beginning of the sing-along, according to Entertainment Weekly.

“L.A.,” he says to fans before referencing a memorable line from the movie. “I thought you were going back to Australia!”

In that scene from “Grease,” Danny excitedly greets his summer sweetheart Sandy, before quickly playing it too cool and aloof, saving face for his T-Birds greaser squad. Olivia Newton-John indelibly played the role of Sandy. She died on Aug. 8, 2022, at age 73.

During Friday’s event, Travolta and his co-stars led fans in singing “A-womp-bop-a-looma-a-womp-bam-boom,” a line from the “Grease” finale number “We Go Together,” according to video from EW. He and his cast then left the stage and the sing-along began.

“Thank you for a great evening,” Travolta added in his Instagram post.

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June 30, 2025
Insta360’s Link 2 Webcam Bundle Is a Massive $50 Off Ahead of July 4th

For a better way to stream from your laptop or attend online courses, meetings and interviews, a webcam is ideal. Today’s webcams have better color, AI features and even 4K resolution support, so you always have a clear video feed. And we’ve spotted the Insta360 Link 2 webcam bundle for just $150 at Amazon — that’s $50 cheaper — just ahead of this year’s major summer shopping events (Fourth of July and Prime Day). This price also represents a new low for this bundle.

The Insta360 Link 2 webcam is compatible with PC and Mac devices and requires a simple USB-C connection.

The Insta360 Link 2 webcam has AI algorithms that cancel ambient noises for clear sound and fewer distractions, which is perfect for online teaching, presentations and streaming. It focuses on you so that anyone in your online meetings or hangs gets crisp video, thanks to Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF).

Insta360’s Link 2 has three modes for optimal lighting and focus: whiteboard, desk view and portrait mode. Need more privacy? You can blur or change your background — which is especially handy for parents who don’t want toys or clutter to distract viewers. This bundle includes the webcam, a USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, a magnetic mount and four recognition markers.

On the lookout for a webcam but aren’t sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best gear for online classes or meetings, where we’ve curated multiple webcams and accessories. We’re also keeping up with Fourth of July and upcoming Prime Day deals across all categories, so check back with us.

Why this deal matters

This Insta360 Link 2 webcam offers 4K resolution, clear images and distraction-free sound-canceling AI algorithms that can reduce extraneous noise while presenting or streaming. Plus, this bundle includes a USB-C cable, adapter and magnetic gimbal so you can start using it right away. At a massive $50 off, this deal is perfect for streamers, instructors and people who want to stand out during professional video calls.

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June 30, 2025
President Zardari signs Finance Bill 2025-26 into law

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ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari has officially signed the Finance Bill 2026 into law following its approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate. The signing took place after the bill was passed through the necessary legislative processes.

In accordance with the Constitution, the bill, which includes various fiscal measures for the upcoming financial year, was presented to President Zardari after being debated and passed in both houses of Parliament.

Following the president’s signature, the official Gazette notification has been issued, making the bill’s provisions effective immediately.

On June 10, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled a Rs17.6 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26, laying stress on the government’s focus on economic stability and growth.

Read more: Govt has agreed to income tax exemption on annual salary below Rs1.2m: Bilawal

In his budget speech in the National Assembly marred by the opposition’s pandemonium, Aurangzeb outlined key economic achievements, saying that remittances have reached $31.2 billion, with projections to rise to $37-38 billion by the end of the current financial year.

Last week, National Assembly approved the budget with certain amendments, rejecting opposition calls for public consultation and clearing the way for a raft of tax reforms, revenue measures, and government spending plans for the coming year.

The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began with Aurangzeb moving the Finance Bill 2025, which was taken up for a clause-by-clause review.

Opposition members proposed an amendment to delay the approval of the bill and seek public consultation, but this amendment was overwhelmingly rejected.

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June 30, 2025
Glastonbury sets by Bob Vylan, Kneecap draw U.K. criminal investigation

After several acts at the U.K. festival Glastonbury led chants in support of Palestinian freedom and denouncing the Israel Defense Forces, U.K. police opened a criminal investigation into their performances.

Several outlets including the BBC cited a statement from Avon and Somerset police in the U.K. announcing an inquiry into sets by the rap-punk group Bob Vylan and the Northern Irish rap group Kneecap.

During Bob Vylan’s set, the band’s singer Bobby Vylan (born Pascal Robinson-Foster) led Glastonbury crowds in chants of both “free, free Palestine” and, more controversially, “death, death to the IDF.”

Though police did not cite specific actions that were being investigated, “This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage,” the statement read. “The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.”

The BBC, which broadcast Bob Vylan’s set, said in a statement that “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.” The network added that it “respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence.” Glastonbury’s organizers said in a statement that they were “appalled” by Vylan’s comments, which they said “crossed a line.”

The U.S. State Department also announced the the two members of Bob Vylan would have their U.S. visas revoked. “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on social media.

The BBC did not broadcast the Glastonbury set from the acclaimed Belfast rap trio Kneecap, which has attracted worldwide attention for its outspoken criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza, including at its recent Coachella sets.

Kneecap instead reportedly roused the crowd in a profane chant against U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had criticized their booking at the festival after the group’s Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, was charged with supporting a proscribed organization for allegedly waving a flag from the terror group Hezbollah at a London concert in 2024 (Chara denied the charge).

U.K. prosecutors, citing time limits, recently dropped charges against the group after a 2023 concert where Chara allegedly said, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

After the performance, talent agency UTA reportedly dropped Bob Vylan from its roster. Singer Bobby Vylan stood by his comments, writing on social media that “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”

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June 30, 2025
Prada accused of cashing in on Indian culture with Kolhapuri-inspired sandals | India

Prada has acknowledged that its new leather sandal design was inspired by India’s famous Kolhapuri “chappals” – handcrafted shoes known for their toe-loop design – after facing criticism over its failure to credit the footwear’s origins.

“We acknowledge the sandals … are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage,” Lorenzo Bertelli, the corporate social responsibility chief at the Italian fashion house, said in a letter to the Maharashtra chamber of commerce.

The chamber had complained on behalf of thousands of Kolhapuri sandal-makers after images from Prada’s Milan runway show showed models wearing the open-toe footwear that was virtually identical to the unisex Indian original.

The chamber president, Lalit Gandhi, had said: “The collection includes footwear designs that bear a close resemblance to Kolhapuri sandals, a traditional handcrafted leather sandal that has been awarded ‘geographical indication’ status by the government of India in 2019.”

The geographical indication tag verifies that a product originates in a specific place. The sandals’ origins go back to the 12th century, to the city of Kolhapur in western Maharashtra state.

A model wears items from Prada’s spring-summer 2026 menswear collection, including leather sandals, at Milan fashion week on 22 June. Photograph: Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters

The buffalo-hide shoes with their distinctive braided T-strap are worn by everyone from farmers to millennials and business leaders.

The sight of models walking the runway last week in the footwear blandly described as “leather flat sandals” triggered a widespread backlash in India and charges of “cultural appropriation”.

The row tapped into a broader debate about how global fashion houses frequently repackage traditional craftsmanship as luxury goods without credit or compensation to the original artisans.

The sandals, known for their durability, cost about $12 (£8.75) in India, whereas Prada sandals retail for upwards of $800. Indian artisans “lose, while global brands cash in on our culture”, said Harsh Goenka, the chair of the pharmaceuticals-to-IT conglomerate RPG Group.

As photos of the show spread online, Indian outrage mounted. “From the dusty lanes of Kolhapur to the glitzy runways of Milan … will the world finally give credit where it’s due?” asked the news outlet DNA on X.

Gandhi asked Prada to seek ways for “collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit” Indian craftspeople. Bertelli replied the sandals were still in the “early” design stage, but that Prada was willing to open a “dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisans”.

“While Indian artisans and small-scale producers excel in craftsmanship, they rarely have access to capital or business acumen” to position their products globally as luxury goods, Dhanendra Kumar, an ex-World Bank executive director, said in India’s Economic Times.

“By not calling their new line of sandals ‘Kolhapuris’, Prada is guilty of monetising cultural appropriation,” Kumar said.

Still, some believe the row could have an unexpected upside. Sales of the sandals have plateaued in India in recent years, but local designers believe the spotlight could boost interest in the classic design, especially among younger consumers.

“Until now, it hadn’t been considered part of the ‘cool’ or aspirational footwear space in India’s luxury market … I truly believe in the ripple effect of what Prada has done,” said Shirin Mann, the founder of Needledust, a label known for its contemporary take on traditional Indian embroidered slip-ons.

Mann could be right. Since Prada’s runway show, Google Trends has shown a rise in searches for Kolhapuri sandals, and retailers report interest has surged, according to local media.

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June 30, 2025