After Kolhapuri Row, Netizens Say Prada's Latest Heels Are Juttis In Disguise
After sparking outrage earlier this year with Kolhapuri-inspired sandals, Prada is once again under fire. This time, for its new Antiqued Leather Pumps, which many say mimic traditional Indian juttis. Netizens were quick to point out the striking similarity between the so-called 'original and unconventional' design and handcrafted ethnic footwear long worn across India.
Despite minor tweaks like the addition of stilettos, the shoes' pointed-toe shape, visible stitching, and leather finish, netizens believe that the pumps appear to be heavily influenced by the classic jutti. What's stirred even more criticism is the lack of any reference to the style's cultural roots.
This isn't Prada 's first run-in with accusations of cultural appropriation. The Italian luxury brand found itself at the centre of a cultural appropriation debate after unveiling T-strap leather sandals as part of its Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Milan Fashion Week. Social media users were quick to point out the uncanny resemblance to India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals, despite Prada labelling them as 'toe-ring sandals." The lack of credit to Indian craftsmanship drew sharp criticism online.
Kolhapuri chappals, handmade by skilled artisans from Maharashtra's Kolhapur region, have a rich legacy that dates back to the 12th century. In 2019, they received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, an official recognition that protects their heritage and ensures rightful acknowledgement for the communities preserving these age-old techniques.
That incident eventually led the brand to send a delegation to Kolhapur to engage with local artisans and better understand the heritage they had seemingly overlooked.
Given this recent repeat episode, many are questioning whether luxury labels like Prada are truly learning from past missteps or simply rebranding traditional designs for global markets without meaningful attribution. As conversations around cultural appropriation grow louder, the call for greater accountability, respect for origin, and fair recognition of indigenous artisanship is more urgent than ever.
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First Published:
July 26, 2025, 15:16 IST
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