Kolhapuri chappals

04 Jul

PIL in Bombay High Court Accuses Prada of Copying Kolhapuri Chappals, Seeks Compensation for Indian Artisans

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaBombay High Court, Geographical Indication, Kolhapuri chappals, PIL, Prada

Mumbai, July 4 — Italian luxury fashion house Prada has come under legal fire in India, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court alleging the unauthorised use of the traditional Kolhapuri chappal design in its high-end footwear collection.The PIL, filed by six Pune-based lawyers, contends that Prada’s recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals,’ showcased in the brand’s spring/summer collection and priced at around ₹1 lakh a pair, closely resemble the iconic Kolhapuri chappals a symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship.Kolhapuri chappals are protected under India’s Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, granting exclusive rights…

28 Jun

Prada Admits Indian Inspiration Behind Sandal Design After Kolhapuri Chappal Row

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trendingcultural appropriation, Kolhapuri chappals, Maharashtra artisans, Prada

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…