Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection has captured global attention with strong influences from Indian culture. Among the standout pieces is a unique handbag modeled after India’s iconic auto-rickshaw, reflecting a creative fusion of traditional street elements with luxury fashion.
The Auto-Rickshaw Handbag Goes Viral
The quirky handbag was first spotted during a re-see session and shared online by the anonymous fashion influencer Diet Paratha. The leather bag is shaped like a miniature three-wheeler, complete with handlebars and wheels, and is covered in Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram canvas. The post jokingly noted, “Did this bag just colonise me?” and predicted it would be a hit among NRIs.
A Tribute to Indian Street Culture
While Louis Vuitton has a history of launching playful novelty bags—including those shaped like planes, lobsters, and dolphins—the autorickshaw version is a direct nod to India’s everyday life. It elevates a familiar street vehicle into a high-fashion accessory, offering a sculptural blend of creativity and cultural reference.
Mixed Reactions Online
The bag has gone viral across social media, sparking thousands of reactions. Comments ranged from admiration to amusement. Some praised its creativity while others poked fun, with lines like, “Middle-class struggle is high-class couture,” and “So are they going to price it by the meter?”
Symbol of Fashion’s Cultural Crossroads
The autorickshaw handbag reflects a broader trend in luxury fashion of blending global street icons with high-end aesthetics. As designers increasingly look to South Asia for inspiration, Louis Vuitton’s tribute suggests both a celebration and commercialization of culture, sparking debate but also fascination in the fashion world.
