Prada finally gives Kolhapuris their due

India Today

19 hours ago

After rubbing many Indians the wrong way and inviting backlash from Maharashtra's artisan community (and a formal nudge from MACCIA), luxury label Prada has finally admitted it drew inspiration from India's iconic Kolhapuri chappals.As reported by PRI, in a statement to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), a Prada spokesperson said, 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.'advertisementHowever, the brand also clarified that the sandals seen on the runway haven't been finalised for production yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada)
'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised,' said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility.MACCIA had written to Prada, flagging concerns about cultural appropriation and lack of acknowledgement, especially since Kolhapuris hold Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since 2019.As part of their letter, MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi reminded the brand, 'Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts.'advertisementHe further added, 'While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialised without due acknowledgement, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations."MACCIA has urged Prada to go beyond words and actually collaborate with local craftsmen.'We kindly urge Prada to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit the artisan communities involved and consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights.'The tone of the letter was firm but hopeful: 'Such a gesture would not only uphold ethical standards in global fashion, but also foster a meaningful exchange between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design. We trust that a brand of Prada's stature and influence will take this concern in the right spirit and initiate a thoughtful response.'Prada's response, at least on paper, hits the right notes:'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft.'advertisementBertelli also added, 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognise the value of such specialised craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage. We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams.'At the ongoing Milan Fashion Week, of the 56 looks presented at the fashion showcase, at least seven Prada Spring/Summer 2026 looks featured models wearing Kolhapuris. This caused quite a stir in outrage back home because, though there was representation of an Indian fashion staple on a global level, there was no credit whatsoever.(With inputs from PTI)- EndsTrending Reel