Italian luxury fashion house Prada has come under fire for showcasing sandals strongly resembling India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals during its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan. The controversy has sparked accusations of cultural appropriation and disregard for the traditional artisans who have crafted these leather sandals for generations.
Prada acknowledges Indian craftsmanship after public uproar
The row erupted after images of the collection surfaced online, with social media users and Indian officials criticising the label for failing to credit the heritage behind the designs. In a statement addressed to Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Prada formally admitted that the sandals drew inspiration from India’s handcrafted footwear traditions.
As PTI quoted, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, wrote, “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.”
In his letter to Prada, Gandhi emphasised, “Kolhapuri chappals are not only a cultural emblem of Maharashtra but also sustain the livelihoods of thousands of artisans. Labeling them simply as ‘leather sandals’ without acknowledging their origin undermines this heritage.”
Maharashtra leaders demand protection of GI rights
The issue quickly escalated in India, where BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The group submitted an official letter demanding that the state protect the Geographical Indication (GI) rights of Kolhapuri chappals, which received GI status from the Indian government in 2019.
Prada claims designs are not yet finalised
Responding to the mounting criticism, Bertelli clarified that the designs presented on the runway were still in development and had not been confirmed for commercial production.
“Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialized,” he said.
He further offered to open a dialogue with Indian stakeholders, “We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and would welcome the opportunity for further discussion with local artisan communities.”
As the controversy continues to make headlines, artisan representatives and industry bodies have urged Prada to explore opportunities for fair compensation and collaboration that could benefit the communities behind the original designs. Gandhi and other stakeholders have reiterated that recognising the source of inspiration is essential to ethical fashion practices.
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