Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence on New Sandal Design After Backlash

Prada Acknowledges Inspiration from Indian Kolhapuri Chappals After Criticism

Prada has recently faced scrutiny after unveiling its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection. The controversy arose from a pair of sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian leather footwear. The initial oversight in acknowledging the origin of the design sparked a debate about cultural appropriation and the importance of recognizing traditional craftsmanship.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, voiced his concern, emphasizing the cultural significance and the Geographical Indication (GI) tag associated with Kolhapuri chappals since 2019.

In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the inspiration behind the sandals. Bertelli admitted that the design was influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, recognizing its "centuries-old heritage." He also clarified that the collection is in its early design phase, with no production or sales yet.

Bertelli further expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and a desire to explore collaborations with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a welcome step, Gandhi's core message remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion should involve proper credit and collaboration. It's essential to recognize the origins of designs and support the artisans who have preserved these traditions. This incident highlights the need for brands to uplift traditional crafts and move beyond merely repackaging them.