Prada Admits Indian Inspiration Behind Sandal Design After Kolhapuri Chappal Row

Mumbai, June 29, 2025 — Italian luxury fashion giant Prada has acknowledged that its men’s sandals showcased in the brand’s 2026 fashion show were “inspired” by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, following a backlash in India over the use of designs resembling Kolhapuri chappals without credit.

Prada’s statement comes after the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) raised concerns about the fashion house’s depiction of the sandals simply as “leather sandals,” omitting any reference to their Indian roots. The omission sparked outrage among India’s fashion community and artisans in western Maharashtra, who accused Prada of cultural appropriation.

“Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts,” said MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi.

MACCIA wrote to Prada demanding public acknowledgment of the inspiration, fair compensation, and ethical fashion practices respecting traditional knowledge and cultural rights.

In response, Prada confirmed that while the sandals featured in its men’s 2026 show were still at the design stage and not yet commercialised, the brand recognized their Indian influence.

“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,” Prada’s corporate social responsibility head, Lorenzo Bertelli, stated in a letter to MACCIA.

Prada further expressed openness to dialogue and potential collaboration with Indian artisan communities. “Prada strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage,” Bertelli said.

MACCIA reminded Prada that Kolhapuri chappals were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, highlighting their unique craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Meanwhile, political leaders have stepped into the fray. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a delegation of Kolhapuri artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging government action to protect the traditional craft and investigate potential violations of GI rights.

Artisans from Maharashtra allege that Prada’s use of the Kolhapuri design without proper acknowledgment undermines the cultural and economic value of their work. They fear global commercialization of the style could diminish demand for authentic handmade Kolhapuri chappals.

MACCIA’s Gandhi stressed that the traditional footwear deserves rightful recognition as it represents both cultural heritage and crucial livelihoods. “We want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition,” he said.

The situation remains under discussion as artisans and officials seek to ensure that traditional crafts are both protected and properly credited in global fashion narratives.