Rs 1.2 lakh for Kolhapuri chappals! Prada slammed for 'cultural theft', netizens say 'stop stealing our art'
Prada's recent showcase in Milan featured sandals strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals, priced at ₹1.2 lakh. The luxury brand faces backlash for cultural appropriation, failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans and heritage behind the design. Critics accuse Prada of cultural theft, demanding recognition and respect for the craft's origins.
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Would you shell out ₹1.2 lakh for a pair of Kolhapuri chappals?That's exactly what Italian luxury fashion house Prada is asking—except they're calling them 'leather flat sandals' and offering no credit to the original Indian artisans.At Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 showcase in Milan, at least seven of the 56 runway looks featured sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Kolhapuris—complete with tan leather, thin straps, and toe rings. Media reports say the sandals are priced at a jaw-dropping ₹1.16 lakh.Led by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the luxury label even handed out leather "ring" tokens at the event, highlighting the toe-loop design that is a signature element of the Kolhapuri chappal. Yet, not once did the brand acknowledge the footwear's origins or the generations of Indian artisans who have kept this craft alive.The move has reignited the conversation around cultural appropriation in fashion—particularly how global luxury brands often adopt traditional designs without giving credit or financial support to their original creators.The backlash online was swift and sharp.'Prada is selling Kolhapuri chappals for ₹1.2 lakh,' one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. 'These handcrafted chappals—part of Maharashtra's legacy—sell for ₹300–₹1500 in Kolhapur's markets. Prada slaps on a logo, calls them 'leather sandals,' and erases their cultural roots. It's not luxury, it's theft.'Another user pointed out, 'This design was stolen from the Chamar community of India, who've handcrafted these for generations. No credit. No acknowledgment. Just pure cultural theft dressed in luxury branding.'A third voice added: '@Prada, you've taken our Kolhapuri footwear but won't even name it. For generations, we've poured our soul into this craft. It's not just footwear—it's our identity. Give us the respect we deserve or stop stealing our art.'As the controversy grows, many are calling for global fashion houses to recognize the cultural significance of traditional designs and share credit—and profits—with the communities that create them.
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