Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Design Controversy Sparks Outrage in India

Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Controversy

Prada has finally recognized the inspiration behind its "new" sandals, admitting their resemblance to traditional Kolhapuri chappals from India. The acknowledgment comes after facing criticism for initially presenting the sandals in their Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection without referencing their origins.

The fashion house showcased sandals in its Spring-Summer 2026 collection that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals. This sparked outrage among Indian fashion observers and artisans, as Prada failed to acknowledge the cultural significance and craftsmanship behind the footwear, instead referring to them merely as "leather sandals."

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to publicly address the issue. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals hold cultural and artisanal value, further protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

Following the backlash, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi, admitting that the sandal design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, which he recognized as having "a centuries-old heritage."

Bertelli clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet been produced or released for sale. He also conveyed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and expressed a desire to explore opportunities for closer collaboration with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgement is a welcome step, Gandhi's initial point remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion must be accompanied by proper credit and genuine collaboration. True recognition involves more than just borrowing designs; it necessitates acknowledging the source and supporting the communities that have preserved these traditions.

If this incident prompts major brands to actively uplift traditional crafts instead of merely repackaging them, it could signify a positive shift in the fashion industry's approach to cultural inspiration.