Prada acknowledges use of Indian Kolhapuri chappals as inspiration after backlash

Luxury fashion house Prada is facing criticism for featuring sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection that closely resemble Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand did not initially credit the design’s cultural origin or the artisans behind it, prompting accusations of cultural appropriation and violation of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) norms.

Kolhapuri chappals received a GI tag in 2019, legally recognising them as a traditional product from specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. In response to the backlash, Prada has acknowledged that the design of its sandals was inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The company stated that it is committed to responsible design practices and is open to dialogue with Indian artisans.

This issue has attracted political attention. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has written to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking for the matter to be taken up at national and international levels. Mahadik said that this is a clear violation of India’s GI Act and the Artisan Act. He confirmed that a Public Interest Litigation is being drafted for submission to the Bombay High Court, and Union Minister Piyush Goyal has also been approached. A legal team is currently examining the matter for further action.

Prada’s version of the footwear is priced at over Rs 1 Lakh, while Kolhapuris are widely available in Indian markets such as Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar for Rs 500.

This is not the first time Indian fashion and craft designs have appeared in global markets without proper credit. In the past, Japanese brand was criticised for using traditional Indian Kantha embroidery in its collection. Indian designs, including Banjara mirror work and tribal patterns, have also been used by international labels without acknowledgement or compensation to the original communities.

Artisan groups and industry bodies have called for stronger enforcement of GI protections to prevent repeated use of Indian craft heritage without attribution or benefit to local creators.