Italian luxury brand Prada is under fire for showcasing sandals that closely resemble India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, without giving any credit to their origins.
During Prada’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan, several models walked the ramp wearing sandals with a slim frame, toe-ring design, and skeletal build—features unique to Kolhapuri footwear from Maharashtra, India.
The lack of any mention of India sparked outrage on social media. Many users said the show was another example of Western fashion copying Indian styles without acknowledgment.
One user wrote, “Prada SS26 includes Kolhapuri chappal… known for its intricate design and craftsmanship. The West is again ripping off Indian fashion.” Others questioned if India’s cultural items were being rebranded and sold for high prices while local artisans remain uncredited and underpaid.
The controversy grew when guests at the show revealed that their invites included a “leather ring”—similar to the toe-ring found on Kolhapuris—raising further concerns that Prada might have intentionally borrowed Indian design elements.
This isn’t the first such incident. A similar backlash occurred when a dupatta was marketed as a “Scandinavian scarf” and when Indian actress Alia Bhatt’s saree was labelled a “gown” by Western media.
The Kolhapuri chappal dates back to the 12th–13th century and has long been a symbol of Indian craftsmanship. Promoted by Shahu Maharaj in the 18th century, it is still popular in India today.
Fashion critics are calling this the “Scandi scarf scandal 3.0”, warning against repeated instances of cultural appropriation without credit.
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