Latest news with #Kolhapurichappals
News18
14 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Maharashtra Secures 40+ GI Tags To Protect Traditional Crafts Amid Kolhapuri Row With Prada
Last Updated: Kolhapuri Chappals are traditional handcrafted leather sandals that originated from the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. Kolhapuri Vs Prada: The row over the alleged imitation of the Kolhapuri chappal design without credit by global luxury fashion brand Prada has brought attention to a larger issue — the unauthorized use of India's traditional crafts, handicrafts, and heritage without any monetary reward or recognition. In response, and to protect and promote traditional crafts and manufacturing skills of the state, the Maharashtra government has announced that it has secured over 40 Geographical Indication (GI) tags for state-specific products, including Kolhapuri chappals, according to a report by The Indian Express. Maharashtra Development Commissioner Deependra Singh Kushwah said during an industry-oriented conclave in Mumbai, said Prada is now in trouble as the government has GI tags, including the Kolhapuri Chappal. He further said that good news would come for makers of Kolhapuri Chappal in the coming days and they were working to obtain 30 more GI tags in the coming few months. GI Tag stands for Geographical Indication Tag. It is a legal label used to identify products that come from a specific location and have unique qualities, reputation, or traditional know-how linked to that place. What Is The Kolhapuri Chappal and Prada Controversy? The storm began when a model appeared in the Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection wearing the luxury footwear resembling to the Kolhapuri Chappal. Netizens condemn the luxury brand for stealing India's heritage without giving credit. A flurry of posts have surfaced on social media condemning the new showcased footwear of Prada without any credit to the original makers and cultural appropriation. Following the uproar, Prada openly acknowledged that the inspiration of its new footwear had Indian roots. A Prada spokesperson told BBC that has 'always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions", adding that it was 'in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic". A Brief History of Kolhapuri Chappal The origin of the Kolhapuri Chappal goes back almost 800 years. These are traditional handcrafted leather sandals that originated from the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. Kolhapuri Chappals are known for its durability and sturdiness with decorative designs, intricate patterns and regional styles. They have become India's craftmanship heritage. The royalty of Kolhapur promoted these chappals in the 13th century, helping them gain popularity across Maharashtra and nearby regions. In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing their unique identity and traditional method of production tied to Kolhapur and nearby districts. About the Author Business Desk Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 10:16 IST
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Prada Finally Acknowledges Leather-Sandals Priced Over Rs 1 Lakh Inspired By Indian Kolhapuri Chappals!
New Delhi: The Italian luxury couture label shocked the desi fans after they featured at least seven of the 56 runway looks featuring sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Indian Kolhapuri Chappals - without any credit. After facing backlash over it, Prada has finally acknowleged that the footwear pieces featured in its Men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan, were inspired by the traditional Indian handcrafted pieces made in specific districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Prada Acknowledges Indian Kolhapuri Chappals In an exclusive response to NDTV, the Prada Group Press Office mentioned, "At Prada Group, we have always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions. Prada acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, were featured in its Men's 2026 Spring Summer show in Milan." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) The statement further read, "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. We are in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic." Priced at a whopping Rs 1.16 lakh, these Kolhapuri Chappals are trending and opened debate over cultural appropriation once again. What Are Kolhapuri Chappals? Kolhapuri chappals are Indian decorative hand-crafted and braided leather slippers that are locally tanned using vegetable dyes. The origin of Kolhapuri Chappals dates back to 12th century when the King Bijjala and his prime minister Basavanna encouraged Kolhapuri Chappal production to support local cordwainers. Kolhapuris were first worn as early as the 13th century. Previously known as Kapashi, Paytaan, Kachkadi, Bakkalnali, and Pukri, the name indicated the village where they were made.
India.com
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Prada Sells Desi Kolhapuri Chappals For Over Rs 1 Lakh As Leather Flat Sandals, Netizens Slam Luxury Brand For Giving No Credit To India
New Delhi: Luxury fashion label Prada has irked desis and how! Well, it so happened that at their Spring/Summer 2026 showcase in Milan, at least seven of the 56 runway looks featured sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Indian Kolhapuri Chappals. The footwear was in tan leather, thin straps, and even toe rings. But the label gave no credit to India or its craftsmen, leaving internet fuming. Priced at a whopping Rs 1.16 lakh, these Kolhapuri Chappals are trending and opened debate over cultural appropriation once again. On Prada's Instagram page where the posts from the show have been shared, many users commented to vent out their anger. One user wrote: Guys! Say with me "CHAPPAL CHOR" . Another one wrote: Its Kolhapuri chappals. Stop copying us and renaming everything we have created One person said: Give credit to the one who invented it!!!! Another user said: Aaah another cultural appropriation at its best ! Fashion critic page Diet Sabya also reacted to the Prada Kolhapuri Chappals. The caption read: Wait. A. Minute? Chintz, cummerbunds, Nehru jackets. Turbans on international runways. Recently the ludicrous "Scandi Scarf" and "Mandi Bag"! Along with a slew of remixes of Indian fits that had zero business being remixed. And now? The Kolhapuri?! Not to be that nagging aunty but are we ready for a Prada Kolhapuri that'll cost us £1,000 a pair? And that'll be "Fashion" because Europeans will suddenly start wearing it. Quite interesting if you think about it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DietSabya (@dietsabya) While "Made in France" and "Made in Italy" has always been seen as the benchmark of quality, recently western market is flooded with "Made in India", sold with a European label and name. All that embroidery. All that artisanal flex. All produced in India. Always has been. So let's not act brand new. India is not the next big trend. India has been the moment. The West (thanks to TikTok) is just waking up and acting like they discovered it. Lmao. Discuss View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) What Are Kolhapuri Chappals? Kolhapuri chappals are Indian decorative hand-crafted and braided leather slippers that are locally tanned using vegetable dyes. The origin of Kolhapuri Chappals dates back to 12th century when the King Bijjala and his prime minister Basavanna encouraged Kolhapuri Chappal production to support local cordwainers. Kolhapuris were first worn as early as the 13th century. Previously known as Kapashi, Paytaan, Kachkadi, Bakkalnali, and Pukri, the name indicated the village where they were made.
