‘Sandals featured are still at design stage': Prada breaks silence on Kolhapuri chappal controversy
Prada has finally broken their silence and acknowledged the use of Kolhapuri chappals in their latest Spring-Summer 2026 Men's collection, following a long-drawn controversy warranting concerns of cultural appropriation.
The Italian luxury fashion house has recognised and validated Kolhpauris' Indian connection, saying the design is 'inspired' by the Indian handcrafted footwear. However, they mentioned that 'the sandals featured in the men's 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised,' reported PTI.
A few days ago in its show notes, Prada had described the footwear as 'leather sandals,' with no reference to an Indian connection, evoking outrage from many in India's fashion community as well as traditional makers of Kolhapuri chappals in western Maharashtra. Artisans from Maharashtra had cried foul after footwear similar to the famous Kolhapuri chappals featured in Prada's show, alleging violation of geographical identification (GI) rights.
'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 recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).
MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi had previously written to the fashion house after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition,' Gandhi had told PTI on Saturday.
BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik had also led a delegation of artisans who make this traditional footwear to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage.
The chamber also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights, in the context of the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019.
'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,' Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said in his reply.
Kolhapuris are slip-on chappals handcrafted from premium quality leather by skilled artisans who have been at it for generations. Not only are Kolhapuri chappals built to last, their durability and unmatched comfort make them a favourite among the Indian crowd. In fact, once you bypass their break-in period, these slippers take the shape of the wearer's feet over time and provide a custom fit.
According to Shweta Navandar, associate professor, department of fashion communication, Pearl Academy, Mumbai, historically, Kolhapuris can be traced back to the 12th century during the reign of King Bijjal of Karnataka and his prime minister, Vishwaguru Basavanna, who worked to uplift the cobbler community. However, it wasn't until the 20th century, under the rule of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, that the footwear began to be widely traded,' she told indianexpress.com.
Kolhapuri chappals are a piece of Indian heritage. Wearing them supports traditional craftsmanship and helps preserve an age-old art form. They can serve you for many years with proper care, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.
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