After Global Outcry, Prada Credits Kolhapuri Chappals as Design Inspiration

 June 28, 2025 – Italian luxury fashion house Prada has officially acknowledged that the open-toe "leather flat sandals" featured in its recent Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection at Milan Fashion Week were indeed inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. This admission comes amid significant backlash and accusations of cultural appropriation from Indian netizens, artisans, and cultural bodies.

The controversy erupted earlier this week after Prada's Men's Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan, held on June 23, 2025, showcased several runway looks featuring sandals strikingly similar to the handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals. Critics pointed out the designs – complete with tan leather, thin straps, and toe rings – while the brand's initial show notes described them simply as "leather sandals," without any reference to their Indian origin or heritage. Adding fuel to the fire, these "Prada" versions were reportedly priced at a staggering ₹1.2 lakh (approximately $1,400 USD), a stark contrast to the modest cost of genuine Kolhapuri chappals made by traditional artisans.

The outrage quickly spread across social media, with many accusing Prada of "cultural theft" and a lack of respect for Indian craftsmanship. This prompted formal responses from India.

On Friday, June 27, 2025, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, issued a letter in response to inquiries and a formal letter from Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).

In his letter, Bertelli stated: "We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship."

He further added: "Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialized." Bertelli also expressed Prada's commitment to "responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities."

Lalit Gandhi of MACCIA had urged Prada to publicly acknowledge the inspiration, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation for artisan communities, and consider supporting ethical fashion practices. Artisans from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, have voiced concerns over alleged violation of Geographical Indication (GI) rights for the footwear, which received GI designation in 2018. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik also led a delegation of artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, seeking action to preserve the cultural product.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a step towards addressing the controversy, the discussion continues regarding fair credit, compensation, and the broader issue of cultural appreciation versus appropriation in the global fashion industry.