Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence After Design Sparks Outrage

Prada Acknowledges Inspiration from Indian Kolhapuri Sandals After Criticism

Prada has finally recognized that its "new" sandal design bears a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear, after facing backlash. The fashion house's initial silence on the inspiration behind the design drew criticism from industry observers and cultural advocates alike.

The controversy began when Prada showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, featuring sandals that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, the iconic handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra. However, the brand made no mention of the Indian inspiration, simply referring to them as "leather sandals" in the show notes.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to speak out. He emphasized the cultural and artisanal significance of Kolhapuri chappals, which have a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In a subsequent letter to Gandhi, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of CSR at the Prada Group, acknowledged the "inspiration" behind the sandals. He admitted that the design was influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear with "a centuries-old heritage." Bertelli also clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet entered production or been offered for sale.

Prada's representative further stated the company's respect for Indian craftsmanship and expressed interest in exploring collaborations with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgement is a welcome step, Gandhi's core message remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion must involve proper credit and collaboration. It is essential to recognize the origins of designs and support the communities that have preserved these traditions.

This incident raises important questions about cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. True progress requires brands to actively uplift traditional crafts, rather than merely repackaging them for profit. A genuine commitment to collaboration and recognition could mark a significant step forward.