logo
The OG Kolhapuris keep buzzing

The OG Kolhapuris keep buzzing

Time of India17-07-2025
Luxury brand Prada officials visited Kolhapur after facing criticism for using designs similar to Kolhapuri chappals. The team met with local artisans to learn about the traditional craft. Discussions about a potential collaboration are underway. This partnership aims to preserve the art form and provide economic support. The Bombay High Court dismissed a PIL filed against Prada.
After the controversy around their usage of 'Kolhapuri-like footwear' at a
Milan fashion show
, some officials from Italian luxury brand Prada visited Kolhapur recently and met sellers and artisans involved in creating the iconic
Kolhapuri chappals
. A showcase of craftsmanship and heritage, let's look at what makes Kolhapuris so popular.
The reason behind the controversy
Prada, in its Spring/Summer 2026 men's collection in Milan, featured sandals just like the iconic Kolhapuri chappals. This caught attention and received much criticism. The reason? Something with cultural significance was borrowed by a global brand without any acknowledgement or fair credit. The controversy took a legal turn when a PIL was filed seeking a public apology from the luxury brand. However, on Wednesday, the PIL was dismissed by the Bombay High Court.
The latest update
Prada's four-member team, including pattern-making manager Daniele Contu, director of the men's technical and production department (footwear division) Paolo Tiveron, external consultant Andrea Pollastrelli, and external consultant Roberto Pollastrelli, visited Kolhapur on Tuesday to interact with the artisans and gain insight into the traditional craft. Talks of a possible collaboration in the future with the artisans and supply chain have been doing the rounds, that may help with preservation of the art form, cultural appreciation, and economic support. The visit is a result of a virtual meeting, where discussions took place between the designer brand and officials from Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) about a possible partnership model.
How to spot an OG Kolhapuri chappal
An original leather Kolhapuri chappal won't be the shiniest.
There should be visible stitching.
Look for artistic stamping and intricate lining.
Some categories of Kolhapuri chappals don't have a braiding or veni.
There will be tiny pores on the surface of the chappals.
An original Kolhapuri chappal generally costs over Rs 1,000.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
Origin stories
Kolhapuri chappals are believed to have originated around the 12th century, but the modern day variants trace back their roots to the 18th century. Favoured for their sturdiness and comfort factor, the intricate designs, meant to withstand rugged terrain, had travelers and merchants rely on Kolhapuris for long journeys. For the farmers, it meant sturdy footwear with heavy soles, while for the nobles and warriors, the sandals were lighter and ornate.
The USP of Kolhapuri chappals
Kolhapuri chappals got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019 that recognises their unique heritage and regional identity. These chappals are a part of the Maharashtrian cultural fabric and proof of
sustainable artistry
. Some artisans also make these chappals in Karnataka. Handcrafted and hand-stitched, a traditional pair of authentic Kolhapuri chappals takes days to create and is made of pure leather. The thick sole is said to be made from a piece of handcrafted leather. What's also unique about these sandals is the leather braiding and stitching, and a peculiar sound they make when you walk in them. There are a variety of styles and patterns available that blend tradition and contemporary.
The beauty of any handmade item is in its imperfections. If everything in a Kolhapuri chappal seems perfect, including the stitching, then the pair is either semi-handmade or machine-made
— Shubham Satpute, co-owner of a Kolhapur-based brand manufacturing Kolhapuri chappals since 1902
Once, I had worked with the late Laxmikant Berde. I asked him if he could get me Kolhapuri chappals and he got them for me. These are the most beautiful chappals I have ever had and they are handmade. I love them
— Neena Gupta, in a video shared on Instagram
Aditya Roy Kapur is one of the many celebs who love wearing Kolhapuri chappals
A photo that Kareena Kapoor Khan shared amid the Prada-Kolhapuri controversy, wearing her 'OG' Kolhapuris while lounging by the pool
Prada or Plagiarised? Kolhapuri Chappals Walk the Milan Runway
Prada falls for Kolhapuri chappals: Luxury giant eyes collaboration with artisans; visit sparks global hope
PIL over 'Kolhapuri-like' Prada sandals dismissed by Bombay High Court
Technical experts from Prada visit Kolhapur, interact with artisans
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NGT issues notices on alleged plastic waste violations by tobacco brands
NGT issues notices on alleged plastic waste violations by tobacco brands

Time of India

time19 minutes ago

  • Time of India

NGT issues notices on alleged plastic waste violations by tobacco brands

The National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) issued notice on a plea from The Citizens Foundation, which alleges widespread non-compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, by manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products. The petition claims that banned plastic packaging materials are still being used and calls for strict enforcement of existing regulations. This includes the closure of units violating the rules and the recovery of environmental compensation. A judicial bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel has issued notices to relevant authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), seeking their responses. Counsel for the petitioner pointed out that, despite the CPCB's earlier directives, issued on October 22, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to 25 manufacturers to halt operations unless they adopted eco-friendly packaging, these directives remain unimplemented. The CPCB had instructed the defaulting companies to submit a timeline for switching to sustainable materials and to pay Environmental Compensation (EC) with interest for any delays. The plea highlights violations of Rules 4(f) and 4(i) of the 2016 Rules, which prohibit the use of plastic sachets and specific polymers in packaging gutkha and related products. CPCB's previous reports suggested that such non-compliance could result in stern penalties, including seizure of goods, shutting down of factories, and levies of Rs 5,000 per ton of plastic used. Repeat offences could attract additional fines of up to Rs 20,000 per ton. The applicant also cited a CPCB report from January 2021, which outlines enforcement under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. According to this, delayed EC payments could be penalised with annual interest ranging from 12 per cent to 24 per cent. Delays exceeding three months could lead to factory closures and criminal prosecution under Section 15(1) of the Environment Protection Act. Recognising the gravity of the environmental concerns raised, the NGT has scheduled the next hearing for September 26, 2025. The applicant must serve notices on the remaining respondents and file an affidavit of service one week prior to the scheduled date, as stated by the Tribunal.

Rs 200000000000: This company makes big announcement, plans major investment in…, the company is…
Rs 200000000000: This company makes big announcement, plans major investment in…, the company is…

India.com

time19 minutes ago

  • India.com

Rs 200000000000: This company makes big announcement, plans major investment in…, the company is…

Home Business Rs 200000000000: This company makes big announcement, plans major investment in…, the company is… Rs 200000000000: This company makes big announcement, plans major investment in…, the company is… A key pillar of this strategy is ITC's foray into the online food services space through a fast-scaling food-tech platform. ITC Limited, the company involved in sectors as wide-ranging as cigarettes, hotels, and beyond, has a phenomenal medium-term investment plan. The company will be investing Rs 20,000 crore to expand its manufacturing presence in various categories. Sanjiv Puri, the company's chairman, announced the company's exclusive investment during the Annual General Meeting. Sanjiv Puri stated that, as part of its growth strategy, the company has recently set up eight new manufacturing facilities in recent years. The units focused on FMCG, sustainable packaging, and value-added agri-products for export. Furthermore, he stated the focus of the company would be its 'Bharat First' strategy of building its business in India first before expanding internationally. He said, even as the company strengthens its presence in India, there are new brand launches that reinforce the company's plan to build more value into the business. While speaking at the Annual General Meeting, Sanjiv Puri, the company's chairman, said that 'Global turbulence has exposed the fragility of traditional supply chains.' 'Encouraged by the promise of the Indian economy, your company has invested in eight world-class manufacturing facilities in the recent past, with an outlay of nearly Rs 4,500 crore,' Puri informed shareholders at the company's Annual General Meeting held virtually. 'As we continue to scale new horizons, ITC plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore across businesses in the medium term,' Puri said, without providing further details. He had earlier announced this investment plan during the 2024 AGM speech. The investment could span in areas such as FMCG, sustainable packaging and export-oriented value-added agricultural products. As we continue to scale new horizons. While he did not provide a specific timeline for the proposed capex, Puri said the investment will be directed toward areas aligned with the company's 'ITC Next' strategy, which seeks to build a future-ready portfolio through both organic and inorganic expansion. He said the company has built 40 state-of-the-art manufacturing assets, enriching ITC's robust ecosystem of 250 dedicated factories and 7,500 MSMEs. 'Across your company's businesses, over 90 per cent of value-addition takes place in the country, enlarging ITC's contribution to the economy,' he noted. A key pillar of this strategy is ITC's foray into the online food services space through a fast-scaling food-tech platform. 'A new vector of growth envisioned in the ITC Next strategy is your company's Food-Tech business, which leverages your company's strengths in foods, hotels and digital technologies to tap into the fast-growing online food services segment,' Puri said. The business has already scaled up to 60 cloud kitchens across five cities under four brands — ITC Master Chef Creations, Aashirvaad Soul Creations, Sunfeast Baked Creations, and Sansho by ITC Master Chef. 'This business has registered a CAGR of 108% in the 3 years since inception, setting new benchmarks in culinary innovation and tech-enabled operations, gaining increasing consumer franchise,' he said, adding that the platform is now being progressively introduced across the country. On ITC's global outlook, Puri reiterated that its global ambitions are anchored in a strong domestic foundation. 'It is our firm belief that Indian brands must adorn the global stage and towards that, establish an enduring legacy in Bharat first, before making an impact overseas,' he said. ITC's FMCG portfolio currently represents an annual consumer spend of over Rs 34,000 crore and reaches more than 260 million households across India, with a growing presence in over 70 international markets. 'The growing consumer patronage and trust over the years for your company's products emboldens our aspiration to expand our FMCG portfolio with the overarching ambition to serve domestic and global consumers with these world-class home-grown brands of impeccable quality,' Puri said. The company launched over 100 new products last year across categories such as health and nutrition, hygiene, naturals, convenience and on-the-go, while continuing to build on mega brands and pursue value-accretive acquisitions like 24 Mantra Organic, Prasuma, Yoga Bar and Mother Sparsh. Responding to shareholder queries, Puri said the company had introduced over 300 new products in the past three years, highlighting innovation as a continuing priority to meet dynamic consumer preferences. On the performance of the paperboards and packaging business, Puri acknowledged that it remains a 'cyclical industry' currently facing headwinds due to 'dumping of cheap imports and a surge in wood prices'. He added that the industry has sought 'safeguard measures' from authorities to address structural challenges. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Business News on

Days after ED raid, good news for Anil Ambani, this company earns Rs 590000000 for…
Days after ED raid, good news for Anil Ambani, this company earns Rs 590000000 for…

India.com

time19 minutes ago

  • India.com

Days after ED raid, good news for Anil Ambani, this company earns Rs 590000000 for…

Anil Ambani (File) Reliance Infrastructure posted a net profit of Rs 59.84 crore for the first quarter ended June 2025, compared to a net loss of Rs 233.74 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year (2024–25). Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 6,035.59 crore, down from Rs 7,256.21 crore recorded in the corresponding period last year. Reliance Infra Q1 Results However, on a sequential basis, total income rose significantly from Rs 4,268.05 crore in the quarter ended March 2025 to Rs 6,035.59 crore in the June 2025 quarter. Over 51434 new households added in Delhi Discoms in Q1 FY25-26; Total households:~ 52.78 lakh. Transmission & Distribution (T&D) loss reduced below 6.5%, on rolling basis, in Delhi Discoms backed by high operational efficiencies. Delhi Discoms successfully met combined Peak Demand of 5,607 MW during Q1 FY25-26.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store