Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has responded to growing criticism regarding its Spring-Summer 2026 collection, which featured sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The sandals, which were showcased at Prada’s Men’s 2026 Fashion Show in Milan, triggered a backlash after social media users and local artisans noted their similarities to Kolhapuri chappals, a centuries-old handcrafted product with cultural significance.
In a statement to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Prada acknowledged that its designs were inspired by the traditional Indian sandals. Lorenzo Bertelli, a representative from Prada, expressed the brand’s recognition of the cultural importance of Kolhapuri chappals and their heritage as handmade footwear. He clarified that the sandals featured in the show were still at the design stage and had not been confirmed for production or commercialization.
“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 recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,” Bertelli stated. He further emphasized that Prada is committed to responsible design practices and engaging with local Indian artisans to ensure proper credit for their work.
The controversy erupted after the sandals, described merely as “leather sandals” in the show, lacked any mention of their Indian roots, sparking outrage among both the Indian fashion community and artisans in Maharashtra. MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi criticized Prada for failing to credit the original makers or collaborate with local artisans. Gandhi also highlighted the significance of Kolhapuri chappals, which received Geographical Indication (GI) status from the Indian government in 2019.
“We appreciate cultural exchange in fashion, but the original creators deserve rightful recognition,” Gandhi said in response to Prada’s presentation. He urged the brand to acknowledge the Indian influence, explore collaborative efforts with local artisans, and compensate them fairly.
The issue gained further momentum when BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, submitting a letter calling for action to protect the footwear’s GI rights and cultural heritage. The Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which holds the GI certification for Kolhapuri chappals, is reportedly considering legal action against Prada. However, experts note that while the GI status provides protection within India, international legal safeguards for such marks remain limited.
Prada’s response reflects a growing trend in the fashion industry of acknowledging the origins of traditional crafts while facing calls for greater transparency and respect for cultural intellectual property. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the luxury brand will address the concerns of artisans and the broader Indian public.
