A renowned Italian luxury brand, Prada, recently debuted its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, featuring what it described as “leather flat sandals” priced at ₹1.2 lakh.
However, the footwear quickly caught public attention for its uncanny resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals—the traditional handcrafted leather sandals deeply rooted in Indian heritage.
Unveiled during Milan Fashion Week, the open-toed sandals faced widespread criticism in India for mirroring the iconic Kolhapuri design, which has been crafted for generations by artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka, yet initially lacked any acknowledgment of its cultural origins.
The backlash quickly intensified online, with many accusing Prada of cultural appropriation. Criticism mounted further when it became evident that the brand had neither credited Indian artisans nor acknowledged the traditional roots of the design.
Prada Responds to Criticism
Amid the growing outrage, Prada eventually responded by issuing a statement admitting that the sandals were indeed inspired by Indian craftsmanship.
In its statement, the brand said:
“Prada acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, were featured in its Men’s 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan. We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities, as we have done in past collections, to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft. We are in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic.”
Prada’s acknowledgment came only after sustained backlash and public pressure—from both social media users and officials—urging the brand to give proper credit to India’s artisan communities.
Although Indian artisans and small-scale producers are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, they often lack the financial resources and business know-how to market their products as premium or luxury items on the global stage.
Take Kolhapuri chappals, for example—despite receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, they are commonly sold across India for just ₹400 to ₹1,000. The GI tag ensures that only chappals made in eight specific districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka can officially be called “Kolhapuris.”
Ironically, while international brands like Prada can freely reinterpret and sell similar designs without such restrictions, Indian footwear makers outside the GI-approved regions are legally barred from labeling their own versions as “Kolhapuris.”
