Article text: Earlier this month, Italian luxury fashion house Prada unveiled T-strap sandals during its Milan runway show, initially garnering standard industry attention. However, the reaction on Indian social media was swift and intense. The sandals bore an uncanny resemblance to the Kolhapuri chappal, a traditional leather shoe widely worn in India, particularly noted for its flat soles and craftsmanship.
Named after Kolhapur, a town located in Maharashtra, these sandals embody a significant aspect of India's rich cultural identity and craftsmanship. The perceived imitation by Prada incited a flurry of accusations ranging from cultural theft to calls for respect regarding India's contributions to global fashion. This incident reflects a burgeoning sentiment among Indians advocating for recognition of their cultural heritage in the international arena.
The uproar quickly caught the attention of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, which promptly sent a formal letter to Prada expressing their grievances over the apparent appropriation of Indian design. Reports indicated that Prada executives responded with an apology, conceding that the sandals were indeed inspired by traditional footwear styles unique to the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
In their statement, Prada acknowledged the influence of Indian craftsmanship, emphasizing the cultural origins of the sandals featured in the Men’s 2026 Spring Summer collection. The entire encounter has opened discussions about the undercurrents of cultural appropriation within the fashion industry and India’s rightful place in the global marketplace for its traditional products.
Named after Kolhapur, a town located in Maharashtra, these sandals embody a significant aspect of India's rich cultural identity and craftsmanship. The perceived imitation by Prada incited a flurry of accusations ranging from cultural theft to calls for respect regarding India's contributions to global fashion. This incident reflects a burgeoning sentiment among Indians advocating for recognition of their cultural heritage in the international arena.
The uproar quickly caught the attention of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, which promptly sent a formal letter to Prada expressing their grievances over the apparent appropriation of Indian design. Reports indicated that Prada executives responded with an apology, conceding that the sandals were indeed inspired by traditional footwear styles unique to the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
In their statement, Prada acknowledged the influence of Indian craftsmanship, emphasizing the cultural origins of the sandals featured in the Men’s 2026 Spring Summer collection. The entire encounter has opened discussions about the undercurrents of cultural appropriation within the fashion industry and India’s rightful place in the global marketplace for its traditional products.
