Did Prada Acknowledge Indian Craftsmanship with Kolhapuri Chappals?

New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) Following significant criticism, the renowned Italian fashion label Prada has publicly recognized that the Kolhapuri Chappals, showcased at the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show, draw inspiration from India’s rich tradition of handcrafted footwear.

In a correspondence addressed to Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, Prada expressed its willingness to engage in meaningful exchanges with local artisans.

“We acknowledge that the sandals displayed in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, which boasts a heritage dating back centuries. We profoundly appreciate the cultural importance of such Indian artistry,” stated Lorenzo Bertelli, the Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, in his letter to Gandhi.

The luxury brand faced backlash after the sandals were presented during its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan, priced at over Rs 1 lakh, in stark contrast to the Rs 300-Rs 1500 typically found in Kolhapur markets.

After images from the collection circulated online, both social media users and Indian officials criticized the brand for neglecting to credit the heritage behind the designs. They accused Prada of cultural appropriation and failing to honor the traditional artisans who have meticulously crafted these leather sandals over generations.

Gandhi, in his communication to Prada, voiced concerns that “the collection features footwear designs closely resembling Kolhapuri Chappals (footwear), a traditional handcrafted leather sandal that received Geographical Indication (GI) status from the Government of India in 2019.”

In addition to representing the centuries-old regional identity of Maharashtra, Kolhapuri Chappals play a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families within the Kolhapur region and its neighboring districts, Gandhi noted.

Gandhi criticized Prada for commercializing these historical footwear designs “without proper acknowledgment, credit, or collaboration with artisan communities,” urging them to “consider supporting ethical fashion practices that honor traditional knowledge and cultural rights.”

In his reply, Bertelli stated, “Please be informed that the entire collection is currently in its initial design phase. None of the pieces are confirmed for production or commercialization.

“We are dedicated to responsible design practices, promoting cultural interaction, and fostering dialogue for a substantial exchange with local Indian artisan communities, similar to our past collaborations to ensure their craft receives rightful recognition,” he mentioned.