New Delhi – Italian luxury fashion house Prada has officially acknowledged that its recent sandal design, showcased during the Prada Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show, is inspired by India’s traditional Kolhapuri Chappals. The company has also expressed its willingness to engage in a “meaningful exchange” with Indian artisans.
The statement came in response to a letter from Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MACCIA), who raised concerns over the apparent appropriation of the iconic handcrafted leather sandals—designs that have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019.
In a letter addressed to Gandhi, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Prada Group, 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 recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.”
Prada faced criticism from Indian social media users and officials after showcasing the sandals in Milan, priced at over ₹1 lakh, in stark contrast to the ₹300–₹1,500 price range of Kolhapuri Chappals sold in local markets. The backlash centered on accusations of cultural appropriation and the lack of recognition for Indian artisans who have sustained the craft for generations.
In his original letter, Gandhi noted that the collection features designs closely resembling Kolhapuri Chappals, which represent not only the cultural heritage of Maharashtra but also the economic backbone of artisan families in Kolhapur and nearby regions.
Gandhi called on Prada to acknowledge the origins of the design and urged the brand to adopt ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights.
In response, Bertelli emphasized that the showcased pieces are still in the early design phase and have not yet been approved for production or commercial sale.
“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 the past with other collections—to ensure rightful recognition of their craft,” he wrote.
The development marks a significant step in ongoing global conversations around ethical design, intellectual property, and the importance of honoring traditional artisan communities in the fashion industry. (Source: IANS)
