Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence After Design Controversy; Signals Potential Artisan Collaboration

Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Backlash

Prada has finally addressed the controversy surrounding its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection, which featured sandals closely resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals from India. The initial oversight in acknowledging the design's origins sparked criticism, prompting a response from the luxury fashion house.

The collection, recently showcased, included sandals that bore a striking resemblance to the iconic Kolhapuri chappals, a handmade leather footwear deeply rooted in the culture of Maharashtra, India. The brand's initial description of the footwear as simply "leather sandals" in their show notes drew immediate attention and disapproval.

Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to publicly address the issue. He emphasized the cultural and artisanal significance of Kolhapuri chappals, highlighting their Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which they have held since 2019. This tag protects the intellectual property and unique characteristics of products originating from a specific region.

In a letter to Gandhi, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, acknowledged the "inspiration" behind the sandal design. Bertelli admitted that the designs were influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, recognizing its "centuries-old heritage". He clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet entered production or retail. Bertelli further stated Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and expressed a desire to explore collaborations with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a welcome step, Gandhi's broader point emphasizes the importance of proper credit and collaboration in cultural exchange within the fashion industry. It’s not enough to simply "borrow" designs; it requires recognizing and supporting the origins and the communities that have preserved these traditions. If this situation leads to major brands actively supporting traditional crafts instead of merely repackaging them, it could signal a positive shift in the fashion world, towards respecting cultural heritage.