Luxury fashion house Prada has come under scrutiny after its Spring-Summer 2026 Men’s Collection featured leather sandals closely resembling Kolhapuri chappals—traditional handcrafted Indian footwear known for its heritage, craftsmanship, and Geographical Indication (GI) status.
Initially presented as mere “leather sandals” with no reference to their Indian origin, the designs provoked backlash from fashion professionals, IP experts, and artisans from western Maharashtra, India. The controversy sparked a broader conversation on cultural appropriation, ethical design practices, and IP rights in fashion.
What Happened?
- Prada’s collection included sandals nearly identical to Kolhapuri chappals.
- The show notes referred to them generically, omitting cultural or geographic context.
- Indian artisans and industry bodies cried foul, citing potential GI rights violation.
- MACCIA (Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture) formally contacted Prada to demand recognition and fair practice.
- Political intervention followed, with BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik advocating artisan rights and cultural protection.
Prada’s Official Response
Prada responded with the following clarifications:
- The designs are “still at the design stage” and not yet commercialized.
- The sandals are “inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear.”
- Prada is committed to responsible design, cultural engagement, and dialogue with Indian artisans to ensure fair recognition of their craft.
“We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,”
– Lorenzo Bertelli, Group Head of CSR, Prada
Why It Matters
✅ IP Rights in Focus: The Kolhapuri chappal holds GI status in India since 2019, protecting its name and design heritage.
✅ Ethical Fashion: Global brands face increased responsibility to credit, collaborate, and compensate traditional knowledge holders.
✅ Cultural Diplomacy: This case shows how design, law, and cultural identity intersect in the global fashion economy.
Artisan Voices
“Kolhapuri chappals are more than footwear—they are a legacy. If global brands wish to use our designs, we welcome collaboration, but recognition and rights must be respected.”
– Local artisan representative
Takeaway for Designers & Brands
- ✅ Always research cultural significance of design inspirations.
- ✅ Acknowledge origins in product descriptions and branding.
- ✅ When applicable, license GI or traditional designs ethically.
- ✅ Build collaborative design ecosystems with local craftspeople.
Know Your Craft: Kolhapuri Chappals
A traditional leather slipper from Maharashtra, Kolhapuri chappals date back to the 12th century, gaining mass popularity during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Each pair is handcrafted and known for its durability, sustainability, and heritage value.
Editor’s Note
This incident stands as a reminder that cultural heritage is not just a source of inspiration—it’s intellectual property. The future of design lies in collaborative creativity, not silent appropriation.
