Kolhapuri sandal design backlash . . . Prada to collaborate with Indian artisans

Luxury fashion house Prada has announced a collaboration with Indian artisans specializing in Kolhapuri sandals, following widespread backlash over a recent footwear design showcased at Milan Fashion Week that critics said closely resembled the traditional Indian chappals.

The controversy erupted after Prada featured a pair of open-toe leather sandals in its Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection, describing them simply as “leather sandals.” However, Indian fashion experts, artisans, and politicians quickly pointed out the striking similarity to Kolhapuri chappals — handcrafted leather sandals named after Kolhapur, a town in the Indian state of Maharashtra, and worn by millions across the country.

In response to the outcry, Prada acknowledged the Indian cultural roots of the design and moved swiftly to engage in dialogue with local stakeholders. On Friday, the company held a virtual meeting with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents 3,000 Kolhapuri artisans, to discuss potential partnerships.

“The next step will be for Prada’s supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers,” Prada said in a statement to Reuters.

Photos from the virtual meeting were shared by the Chamber on X (formerly Twitter), describing the initiative as a potential model for respectful collaboration between global luxury brands and traditional artisan communities.

Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada’s owners and head of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) division, also joined the meeting, signaling the brand’s serious commitment to ethical sourcing and cultural integrity.
The Chamber welcomed Prada’s engagement and announced plans to patent the Kolhapuri chappals, aiming to prevent future copyright or design infringement by global fashion houses.

This episode has reignited conversations about cultural appropriation versus appreciation in fashion, with many calling for greater recognition, credit, and compensation for indigenous craft traditions that often inspire global trends.

By turning controversy into constructive dialogue, Prada’s move could pave the way for a new kind of global-local partnership that honors traditional craftsmanship while fostering responsible innovation in the luxury fashion world.