Italian luxury fashion brand Prada is under fire in India after debuting sandals that closely resemble Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear known for its open-toe and toe-loop design.
The new sandals were featured at the 2026 Spring-Summer Show in Milan last week, drawing criticism on social media and from Indian artisan advocates, who accused Prada of cultural appropriation for failing to credit the inspiration behind the design.
The controversy centers on the footwear’s striking similarity to the handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals, traditionally made in the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions of India. Critics argued that Prada’s use of the design without proper acknowledgment disrespects the centuries-old craftsmanship and erases the contributions of Indian artisans.
Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, voiced concern over the lack of recognition, urging Prada to publicly acknowledge the cultural roots of their product.
In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Prada, issued a letter to the Maharashtra Chamber expressing the brand’s commitment to responsible design and opening the door to a “meaningful exchange” with local artisan communities. Prada stated that the new design was indeed inspired by traditional Indian footwear, and the company now seeks to ensure rightful recognition for the source of that inspiration.
The incident has reignited global conversations about fashion ethics, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of crediting indigenous and traditional craftsmanship in the luxury fashion industry.
