Latest news with #Kolhapuri-style
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Prada Team Visits Kolhapur To Meet Local Artisans Amid Kolhapuri Sandal Row
Last Updated: They met with local artisans in Jawahar Nagar, a hub for Kolhapuri chappal-making, and interacted with craftsmen Italian fashion brand Prada, under fire for showcasing Kolhapuri-style slippers without acknowledging their Indian roots, sent a team to Kolhapur to learn more about the traditional craft on Wednesday. The visit comes days after Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week, where models wore leather slippers, resembling Kolhapuri chappals. Priced at around Rs 1.2 lakh, the footwear sparked backlash in India as it wasn't credited or linked to its cultural origin. To address the concerns, six senior members of Prada's footwear division visited Kolhapur. The team included Paolo Tiveron, head of men's footwear production, Daniele Contu, a pattern-making manager, and others. They met with local artisans in Jawahar Nagar, a hub for Kolhapuri chappal-making, and interacted with craftsmen like Shubham Satpute, Balu Gawli, and Sunil Lokre. 'A team has come from Italy to check all the manufacturing units of Kohapuri chappals and to see the technical parts as Prada enters the retail market in Kolhapur, " said a vendor. In response, Prada said it was committed to responsible design and open to collaborating with Indian artisans. The company also expressed interest in a limited-edition 'Made in India" collection inspired by Kolhapuri designs, aiming for a more respectful and collaborative approach going forward. 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! view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 14:29 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Prada team visits Kolhapur, meet local artisans after Kolhapuri sandals row
Days after facing criticism for showcasing Kolhapuri-style leather slippers without proper credit, a team from Italian fashion house Prada arrived in Kolhapur on Tuesday to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic Kolhapuri Gandhi, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, told India Today TV, 'A few days ago, Prada held a fashion show in Milan, Italy, where Kolhapuri slippers were featured. However, Prada described them merely as leather garments, without acknowledging their origin.'advertisementFollowing the backlash, six senior representatives from Prada, including Paolo Tiveron, the director of the men's technical and production department (footwear division), Daniele Contu, pattern-making manager of the footwear division, Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli, visited Kolhapur to gain a better understanding of the traditional craft. 'They assured that such a mistake would not be repeated in the future. Furthermore, the Prada representatives promised to help give Kolhapuri slippers rightful recognition on a global scale,' Gandhi team visited the Jawahar Nagar area, known for producing traditional Kolhapuri footwear, and interacted with local artisans including Shubham Satpute, Balu Gawli, Arun Satpute, Sunil Lokre and Balasaheb the recent Milan Fashion Week, at least seven of Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 looks featured models wearing Kolhapuri-style slippers. These were priced at around Rs 1.2 lakh each but were not referred to by their original name or cultural roots, causing outrage in experts called the lack of credit a serious oversight. Kolhapuri chappals have held Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since 2019, recognising their unique heritage and regional also said, 'The state government is being urged to take steps to protect the reputation and popularity of Kolhapuri slippers.' Earlier, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture had written to Prada, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the lack of response, Prada said it would work towards 'responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.'Furthermore, earlier last week, Prada expressed interest in launching a limited-edition "Made in India" Kolhapuri-inspired collection in partnership with Indian artisans.- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Maharashtra
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
After Chappal Row, Prada Team Lands In Kolhapur To Meet Local Artisans
Last Updated: The visit comes after Prada faced criticism for allegedly showcasing Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan A team from Italian luxury fashion brand Prada on Tuesday visited Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and met with local artisans who craft the traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The visit comes after Prada faced criticism for allegedly copying the design of these famous handmade leather sandals. Many accused the brand of cultural appropriation and failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans who have preserved this age-old craft. Supported by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), the Prada technical team from Italy arrived in Kolhapur and was hosted by MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi. Kolhapuri chappals are known for their unique style, strength, and traditional craftsmanship. Handmade for over a century in the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka, they have become an iconic part of Indian fashion heritage. These sandals also hold Geographical Indication (GI) status, which protects their identity and prevents unauthorised use or imitation. The GI tag legally recognises the craft's cultural and regional importance. During their visit, the Prada team toured local workshops and interacted with the craftsmen. This comes shortly after Prada announced plans to launch a Kolhapuri-inspired collection in collaboration with local artisans. The row began after Prada showcased sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection at a Milan fashion show on 23 June. The sandals were simply labelled as 'leather sandals" with no mention of their Indian origin. MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi had raised concerns and wrote to Prada, urging the brand to publicly acknowledge the inspiration and explore fair collaborations with local artisans. He also highlighted the need for ethical fashion practices that respect cultural heritage. Responding to the backlash, Lorenzo Bertelli, a senior representative from Prada, said the company acknowledged the inspiration came from traditional Indian handcrafted footwear and appreciated its cultural significance. However, Prada clarified that the sandals shown on the runway are still in the design phase and are not confirmed for commercial release. (With inputs from agencies) view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 22:33 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
After backlash, Prada delegation set to visit Kolhapur over ₹1 lakh ‘Kolhapuri' sandals
Mumbai/New Delhi: After sparking outrage in India for showcasing Kolhapuri-style 'sandals" on the Milan runway, Italian luxury giant Prada is sending top executives to the footwear's hometown of Kolhapur. The two-day visit to Kolhapur, in Maharashtra, is expected to begin Tuesday and marks the brand's first formal outreach to Indian artisans. Mint has learned that the visiting team includes Daniele Contu, pattern making manager at Prada's footwear division, along with external consultants Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli. The Milan-based fashion house, part of Prada Holding SpA, showcased leather sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals at its recent Men's Spring-Summer 2026 show, held at the Deposito of the Fondazione Prada. The sandals, priced upwards of ₹1 lakh ($1,200), sparked widespread criticism in India, with online users highlighting the deep cultural roots of Kolhapuri footwear and the vast price disparity. Kolhapuris are widely available in Indian markets for under ₹1,000. 'The team is set to come on Tuesday; they will stay here for two days. The technical team will evaluate the process of making Kolhapuri chappals and share their experience and their expectations as per Prada's requirement. They will also be visiting artist clusters where Kolhapuri footwear is made," Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), told Mint. E-mail queries sent to Prada on Tuesday remained unanswered till press time. Open-toed Kolhapuri chappals, named after the eponymous city in Maharashtra, have been worn in India since the 12th and 13th centuries. In 2019, the sandals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, legally protecting the name 'Kolhapuri chappal" and ensuring that only footwear made by artisans in designated districts of Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and Karnataka (Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad, Vijayapura or Bijapur) can carry the label. The display of similar-looking sandals by one of the world's top luxury fashion houses prompted Indian trade representatives to reach out to Prada, seeking formal acknowledgment of the artisans and their craft. In a letter dated 25 June, MACCIA highlighted the heritage of Kolhapuri chappals and their importance to local livelihoods. It also expressed 'concern" over commercialization of the design without due acknowledgement, credit or collaboration with the artisan communities. It urged the brand to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly and explore possibilities for collaborations or fair compensation that could benefit artist communities. Prada responded in a letter dated 27 June. Loreno Bertelli, Prada Group's head for corporate social responsibility, acknowledged that sandals featured in the brand's Men's 2026 Fashion Show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. Prada said the collection is at an 'early" stage of design development, with none of the pieces confirmed to be produced or commercialized. It reinforced its commitment to responsible design practices and to opening dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities. It then 'welcomed the opportunity for further discussions." The two sides also agreed to hold a video conference on 11 July with key members of Prada's leadership team. MACCIA's Gandhi proposed exploring co-branded collections and the possibility of establishing a Prada Artisan Excellence Lab in Kolhapur or Mumbai to foster innovation, among other discussions such as responsible attribution of Kolhapuri craftsmanship. The Prada Group, which owns luxury brands such as Prada, Miu Miu, Church's, Car Shoe, Marchesi 1824 and Luna Rossa, operates 26 owned factories and employs over 15,200 people. Prada bags retail upwards of $1,000 and can reach several thousand dollars. The group designs and produces ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear and jewellery collections, and distributes its products in more than 70 countries through 609 directly operated stores, e-commerce platforms, and selected department stores and online retailers.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Prada is rethinking its attempt to sell a version of India's ubiquitous leather sandals after backlash
Prada is rethinking how it's selling its new leather sandals after facing backlash on social media. An Indian state commerce department said in a Saturday statement that the Italian fashion brand has agreed to collaborate with Indian artisans to create a "Made in India" collection. This comes after Prada debuted flat-soled leather sandals, with a thin strap connecting the toe ring to the central belt, on June 22 at its 2026 spring/summer menswear show in Milan. The sandals bore a striking resemblance to the Kolhapuri chappal, a style of handcrafted leather sandal made in India's Kolhapur city, in the central state of Maharashtra. The Kolhapuri chappal is widely available across Maharashtra and is sold in small, independently owned artisan shops. According to an interview the BBC conducted with a Kolhapuri chappal artisan, the sandals cost $8 to $10. Prada's website did not include a price tag for the Kolhapuri-style leather sandals, but other sandals sold by the brand start at $750, with some costing upward of $1,000, per its website. The shoes quickly triggered backlash from South Asian users on social media, who said Prada was appropriating the traditional design without due credit. Prada does not have any retail outlets in India. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. What is your job title? (1 of 2) Entry level position Project manager Management Senior management Executive management Student Self-employed Retired Other Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . In response to the backlash it had received, Prada told the BBC in June that it had "always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions," and was "in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic." On Saturday, the chamber posted on X that it held a successful meeting with Prada representatives on Friday, which ended with an agreement to work on a "Made in India" collection of Kolhapuri sandals. "The next step will be for Prada's supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers," the company said in a statement to Reuters. Representatives for Prada and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture did not respond to queries from BI asking for details about the new collection and when it would be launched. Prada's stock price has been down nearly 25% since the start of this year. However, it reported strong first-quarter results, with a 13% increase in net revenues in the latest quarter compared to the year before.
