Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence After Cultural Appropriation Accusations

Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Backlash

Prada has admitted that its new sandal design was inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals after facing criticism for appropriating the design without proper acknowledgment.

The controversy began when Prada showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, which included sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, a distinctive handcrafted leather footwear originating from Maharashtra, India. The fashion house initially described them merely as "leather sandals," omitting any reference to their Indian heritage.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to voice his concerns. He emphasized the cultural and artisanal significance of Kolhapuri chappals, which have been recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019. This tag protects the intellectual property rights of the artisans and acknowledges the specific region of origin.

In response to the criticism, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the "inspiration" behind the sandals. Bertelli stated that the design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear with a "centuries-old heritage." He also clarified that the collection is still in the early design phase and has not yet been produced or offered for sale. Bertelli expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and its desire to explore future collaborations with local artisans.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a welcome step, Gandhi's broader point remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion should involve proper credit and genuine collaboration. It is essential to recognize the origins of designs and support the communities that have preserved these traditions. This incident highlights the need for the fashion industry to move beyond simply borrowing from other cultures and instead actively uplift traditional crafts.