NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Mumbai/Milan, June 30, 2025: Global fashion house Prada has formally acknowledged that its leather sandals featured on the Milan Spring/Summer 2026 menswear runway were inspired by India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals, following widespread backlash from artisans and Indian cultural bodies over lack of credit.
The Italian luxury brand came under fire after showcasing leather sandals strikingly similar to the handcrafted Kolhapuri style—traditionally made from vegetable-tanned leather in Kolhapur, Maharashtra—without referencing their Indian origin. The omission sparked an uproar on social media, with critics accusing Prada of cultural appropriation and failing to recognize a centuries-old Indian craft that holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.
Photos of the sandals drew instant comparisons to the Kolhapuri chappal, a footwear design known for its durability, unique craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. The price tag—reportedly over ₹1.2 lakh ($1,400 USD)—only intensified the conversation, as artisans in India often sell similar designs for as little as ₹300.
In response to mounting pressure, Prada’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, sent an official letter to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MACCIA), acknowledging the sandals were indeed inspired by “traditional Indian handcrafted footwear.” The letter emphasized Prada’s respect for craftsmanship and expressed openness to a “meaningful dialogue” with Indian artisans.
“We deeply appreciate the heritage of Indian artisans and recognize the cultural significance of these designs,” the letter stated. “The design is currently in the early stages and may not be commercialized, but we look forward to exploring opportunities for future collaboration.”
Artisans and advocates welcomed the acknowledgement but noted that it is only the beginning. “It’s not just about being inspired. It’s about sharing credit and economic opportunity with the communities that have preserved these crafts for generations,” said a Kolhapur-based artisan collective spokesperson.
MACCIA, which led the appeal for recognition, is now in discussions with Prada for a potential partnership that could benefit artisans directly and raise global awareness of Indian handmade crafts.
Fashion analysts say this incident spotlights an urgent issue in global fashion: the line between cultural appreciation and appropriation. “Heritage designs are not just trends to be mined—they represent livelihoods, identities, and intangible legacies,” said a representative from the Fashion Ethics Council of India.
Meanwhile, many in India see this as a moment of pride. “The world is finally recognizing what we have always known—that Kolhapuri chappals are timeless,” said a third-generation artisan in Kolhapur.
Cover photo courtesy: Prada/Instagram.
