Luxury fashion brand Prada has finally admitted that it took inspiration from India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals for its new men’s collection. This comes after many Indians were upset, especially in Maharashtra, where these famous leather sandals come from.
The issue began when Prada showcased sandals that looked just like Kolhapuris during its Spring/Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week. The brand called them “leather sandals” without mentioning India or the original craft. This caused backlash from Indians and artisan groups. Out of 56 looks on the runway, at least seven featured Kolhapuri-style footwear.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) sent a letter to Prada. They said Kolhapuris are not just shoes—they are part of India’s culture and history. These sandals also have a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019, meaning they are officially recognised as special products from a specific region.
In response, a Prada spokesperson said, “We acknowledge that our sandals are inspired by traditional Indian footwear with a rich heritage.” They also added that the designs are not final and may not be produced or sold yet.
Lalit Gandhi, President of MACCIA, said that Kolhapuris support the livelihoods of thousands of Indian artisans. He asked Prada to publicly credit the design, and also to collaborate or compensate the people who keep this tradition alive.
MACCIA wants Prada to go further than just words. They have requested the company to work with Indian craftsmen and support ethical fashion that respects cultural traditions.
Prada has promised to keep talking with the Indian community. Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate responsibility at Prada, said they are open to collaboration and believe in recognising traditional skills.
This issue highlights the need for global brands to respect local cultures, especially when using traditional designs. While Prada’s response is a good start, many now hope they will turn their words into real action.
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