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Hans India
21 minutes ago
- Business
- Hans India
Kolhapuri Chappals: Prada accepts Indian craftsmanship, open for meaningful exchange with artisans
New Delhi: After facing severe backlash, Italian fashion house Prada has officially admitted that the Kolhapuri Chappals, featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show, is inspired by India's handcrafted footwear traditions. In a letter to Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, Prada noted that it is 'open for meaningful exchange with artisans'. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, in a letter to Gandhi. The luxury fashion house came under fire after showcasing the sandals during its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan, priced at more than Rs 1 lakh as against the Rs 300-Rs 1500 sold in Kolhapur's markets. After images of the collection surfaced online, social media users and Indian officials criticised the label for failing to credit the heritage behind the designs. They accused Prada of cultural appropriation and disregard for the traditional artisans who have crafted these leather sandals for generations. Gandhi had in a letter to Prada shared concerns that 'the collection includes footwear designs that bear a close resemblance to Kolhapuri Chappals (Footwear) a traditional handcrafted leather sandal that has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019'. Besides representing the 'centuries-old regional identity of Maharashtra', the Kolhapuri Chappals also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts, Gandhi wrote. Gandhi called out Prada for commercialising the centuries-old footwear designs 'without due acknowledgment, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities', and urged them to 'consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights'. In his response, Bertelli wrote, 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design. Development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' he said.
Mint
4 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Prada admits being inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, wants to work with local Indian artisans
After facing backlash for showing sandals like Kolhapuri chappals, Italian brand Prada has admitted it was inspired by Indian handmade footwear. Lalit Gandhi, the president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, earlier raised concern about the issue. Prada's Lorenzo Bertelli, in a letter to Maharashtra's trade body, expressed respect for the cultural value of such craftsmanship. The letter came after protests over the sandals shown in Prada's 2026 Spring-Summer men's fashion show. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage,' PTI quoted Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, as stating in a letter to Gandhi. 'We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' Bertelli added. 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised,' Bertelli wrote. According to Bertelli, Prada is committed to responsible design and respecting traditional Indian crafts. The brand wishes to engage with local Indian artisans and ensure they get proper credit for their work, he said. Many in India were left upset after Prada had showcased sandals in its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection that looked similar to Kolhapuri chappals. The brand called them 'leather sandals' in show notes without mentioning their Indian roots. Gandhi wrote to Prada and pointed out that Kolhapuri chappals have had a GI tag since 2019. He referred to handmade sandals, holding deep cultural value in Maharashtra and supporting thousands of artisans. Gandhi appreciated cultural exchange in fashion but criticised Prada for not crediting the original makers or working with local artisans. He urged Prada to publicly acknowledge the inspiration, consider fair partnerships and support ethical fashion.
News18
4 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Prada Opens Up On Row Over 'Kolhapuri Chappals', Admits Indian Footwear's Inspiration
Last Updated: The Italian house said that sandals featured in the fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. After triggering a massive controversy and facing social media backlash over featuring slippers similar to Maharashtra's Kolhapuri chappals, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has now acknowledged that its collection was inspired by Indian handmade footwear. The leather slipper with open toes presented by Prada showed striking similarities to the heritage leather footwear that artisans have crafted for generations in Maharashtra and Karnataka. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship," Lorenzo Bertelli, a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). The Italian house, however, said that sandals featured in the fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised," Bertelli added in its response. He further said that Prada is committed to responsible design and respecting traditional Indian crafts. The brand wishes to engage with local Indian artisans and ensure they get proper credit for their work. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft," he said in his reply. The response came after MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi objected to Prada's June 23 Milan show, where sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals were labeled simply as 'leather sandals," with no mention of Indian influence. Gandhi, who raised the concern with the foreign brand after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry, had appreciated cultural exchange in fashion but criticised Prada for not crediting the original makers or working with local artisans. In a letter to Prada, Gandhi had urged the fashion house to publicly acknowledge the inspiration and also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition," Gandhi told news agency PTI on Saturday. MACCIA also reminded Prada about the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019. Prada's Response To Maharashtra Government In his reply, Bertelli clarified that the designs are still in the early stages and have not yet been approved for production. Bertelli added, 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities." What's The Controversy? In its Spring-Summer 2026 collection, the brand described the footwear as 'leather sandals", with no reference to an Indian connection, evoking outrage from many in India's fashion community as well as traditional makers of Kolhapuri chappals in western Maharashtra. 'Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts," Gandhi's letter said. The controversy drew further attention after BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a group of Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They submitted a letter demanding action to protect the footwear's GI rights and cultural importance. According to the financial daily's report, the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which shares geographical indication (GI) certification for Kolhapuri chappals with Karnataka's LIDKAR, is considering legal measures. Although registered proprietors (LIDCOM and LIDKAR) and authorised users have legal rights to initiate proceedings within India's borders, GI marks currently lack international legal safeguards. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 28, 2025, 13:32 IST
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Sandals featured are still at design stage': Prada breaks silence on Kolhapuri chappal controversy
Prada has finally broken their silence and acknowledged the use of Kolhapuri chappals in their latest Spring-Summer 2026 Men's collection, following a long-drawn controversy warranting concerns of cultural appropriation. The Italian luxury fashion house has recognised and validated Kolhpauris' Indian connection, saying the design is 'inspired' by the Indian handcrafted footwear. However, they mentioned that 'the sandals featured in the men's 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised,' reported PTI. A few days ago in its show notes, Prada had described the footwear as 'leather sandals,' with no reference to an Indian connection, evoking outrage from many in India's fashion community as well as traditional makers of Kolhapuri chappals in western Maharashtra. Artisans from Maharashtra had cried foul after footwear similar to the famous Kolhapuri chappals featured in Prada's show, alleging violation of geographical identification (GI) rights. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi had previously written to the fashion house after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition,' Gandhi had told PTI on Saturday. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik had also led a delegation of artisans who make this traditional footwear to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage. The chamber also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights, in the context of the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said in his reply. Kolhapuris are slip-on chappals handcrafted from premium quality leather by skilled artisans who have been at it for generations. Not only are Kolhapuri chappals built to last, their durability and unmatched comfort make them a favourite among the Indian crowd. In fact, once you bypass their break-in period, these slippers take the shape of the wearer's feet over time and provide a custom fit. According to Shweta Navandar, associate professor, department of fashion communication, Pearl Academy, Mumbai, historically, Kolhapuris can be traced back to the 12th century during the reign of King Bijjal of Karnataka and his prime minister, Vishwaguru Basavanna, who worked to uplift the cobbler community. However, it wasn't until the 20th century, under the rule of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, that the footwear began to be widely traded,' she told Kolhapuri chappals are a piece of Indian heritage. Wearing them supports traditional craftsmanship and helps preserve an age-old art form. They can serve you for many years with proper care, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.
New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
'We deeply recognize...': Kolhapuri chappals 'inspiration' for footwear in fashion show, says Prada after controversy
MUMBAI: After a controversy triggered by the use of Kolhapuri chappals in a collection, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has acknowledged the connection, saying the design is "inspired" by the Indian handcrafted footwear. The Italian house, however, said that sandals featured in the men's 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. "We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship," a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi said the chamber wrote to the fashion house after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry. "The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition," Gandhi told PTI on Saturday. In the letter to Prada, MACCIA also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights. Prada is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada. "We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft," Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said in his reply. PTI has a copy of the correspondence.
