Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence After Cultural Appropriation Accusations

Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Inspiration After Backlash

Prada has finally acknowledged that its "new" sandal design draws inspiration from Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear, after facing criticism for cultural appropriation. The fashion house's initial oversight sparked outrage, prompting a necessary conversation about crediting cultural origins in the fashion industry.

The controversy began when Prada unveiled its Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, featuring sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, the iconic handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra, India. The brand referred to them merely as "leather sandals," omitting any reference to their Indian heritage.

This omission triggered immediate backlash.

Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to denounce Prada's oversight. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals are not just ordinary sandals but carry significant cultural and artisanal value, further protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of CSR at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the "inspiration" behind the sandals. Bertelli admitted that the design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, recognizing its "centuries-old heritage." He also clarified that the collection is in its early design phase, not yet in production or for sale. Bertelli expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and a desire to explore future collaborations with local artisans.

Gandhi maintains that cultural exchange in fashion should involve proper credit and collaboration, extending beyond mere "borrowing". He insists on recognizing the origins of designs and supporting the artisans who preserve these traditions.