Latest news with #Kolhapuris
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prada finally admits its 'new' sandals are basically Kolhapuri chappals and India noticed
Prada faced criticism for featuring sandals in its Spring-Summer 2026 collection that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals without acknowledging their origin. Following backlash, Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada admitted the design's inspiration from traditional Indian footwear and expressed interest in collaborating with local artisans. This incident highlights the need for proper credit and support for traditional crafts in the fashion industry. So, here's what went down: Prada recently showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection, and one particular piece had Indian fashion watchers doing a double take, sandals that looked way too familiar. Yep, they strongly resembled Kolhapuri chappals, the iconic handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra. But instead of owning up to the source of inspiration, Prada casually referred to them as just 'leather sandals' in their show notes. Naturally, this didn't sit well with a lot of people. Lalit Gandhi, the president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to call the brand out. He reminded them and the world that Kolhapuris aren't just any old sandals. They carry cultural and artisanal weight and even have a GI (Geographical Indication) tag since 2019. Fast forward a few days and Prada seems to have gotten the message. Lorenzo Bertelli, who heads CSR at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the 'inspiration' behind the sandals. He admitted that the design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, which has, as he put it, 'a centuries-old heritage.' (Took them long enough, right?) Bertelli also clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and hasn't gone into production or sale, yet. He added that Prada respects Indian craftsmanship and wants to explore ways to work more closely with local artisans in the future. While it's good that Prada finally acknowledged the roots of the design, Gandhi's larger point still stands: cultural exchange in fashion is great, but it has to come with proper credit and collaboration. It's not enough to just "borrow" it's about recognizing where things come from and supporting the people who've kept those traditions alive. If this leads to big brands actually uplifting traditional crafts instead of just repackaging them, it might be a step in the right direction for the fashion industry.
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Prada breaks silence on row over 'Kolhapuri chappals' featured in 2026 collection
Jun 28, 2025 11:10 AM IST Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has confirmed that its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear line includes footwear inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. The statement comes amid growing criticism in India over the brand's use of the traditional design without acknowledging its roots. Prada credits Kolhapuri chappals after cultural appropriation row(Representative image/HT Photo) 'Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear featured in our Milan show,' the company said, reported news agency PTI. The open-toe leather sandals showcased at the Milan Fashion Week closely resemble Kolhapuris — handcrafted leather footwear made by artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka for generations. Prada's response follows backlash on social media and concerns raised by Indian officials, who accused the brand of cultural appropriation and failing to credit the legacy and craftsmanship behind the traditional design.
India Today
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Kolhapuris aren't just Prada: 5 Delhi market spots where you can buy them for a steal
Kolhapuri chappals. Those iconic, hand-crafted leather sandals aren't just for luxury labels like Prada. Delhi's vibrant markets offer authentic Kolhapuris at prices that won't break the are five market spots in Delhi where you can score stylish Kolhapuris without splurging:1. Lajpat Nagar Central Market Lajpat Nagar is a go-to for affordable, trendy footwear, including Kolhapuris. The market is packed with shoe stalls offering a variety of colors and designs, typically ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per pair. Bargaining is common, so don't hesitate to negotiate for a better Sarojini Nagar MarketFamous for budget fashion, Sarojini Nagar is a hotspot for college students and bargain hunters. Here, you'll find Kolhapuris and other sandals at some of the lowest prices in town often under Rs 1,000. The market is known for its variety and the thrill of scoring a great deal.3. Karol BaghKarol Bagh's DB Gupta Market is home to several trusted footwear wholesalers and retailers offering Kolhapuri chappals starting as low as Rs 160 per pair. Shops like Rajson and Company and others in the area are known for good quality at wholesale rates, making this a smart stop for budget-conscious shoppers.4. Dilli HaatIf you want authentic, artisan-made Kolhapuris, Dilli Haat is the place. This open-air market brings together craftspeople from across India, and Kolhapuris here start around Rs 700 per pair. You'll find unique designs and genuine leather craftsmanship, all while supporting traditional Janpath MarketLocated in Connaught Place, Janpath is a treasure trove for boho styles and ethnic footwear. The market's street vendors and small shops offer Kolhapuris in a range of styles, often at prices well below those of high-end boutiques. Expect to pay around Rs 500 – Rs1,000 per pair, with room to PRICE GUIDESarojini Nagar: Under Rs 1,000Lajpat Nagar: Rs 1,000– Rs 1,500Karol Bagh: Rs 160– Rs 399 (wholesale rates)Dilli Haat: From Rs 700Janpath: Rs 500– Rs 1,000You don't need Prada feet or a Prada budget to rock a great pair of Kolhapuris in Delhi. These markets combine style, tradition, and affordability, making them perfect for savvy shoppers and lovers of Indian craftsmanship.- Ends
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Kolhapuris Walked The Prada Runway, But Got Zero Credit. Let's Talk Cultural Appropriation
So I was minding my own business, scrolling through Prada's Spring 2026 menswear show (as one does), when I saw something oddly familiar on the runway. Flat leather sandals. T-strap. Minimal. Wait a minute. Are those… Kolhapuris? Prada's menswear collection, shown at the sunlit Fondazione Prada in Milan, had all the usual high-fashion suspects: floaty tunics, flowerpot hats, lots of 'soft structure.' But what really stole the show (and the internet)? A pair of sandals that looked exactly like the ones sold on street corners across India—the iconic Kolhapuri chappal. Except now they're being referred to as 'toe ring sandals.' And they reportedly cost over $1000. *Insert collective desi gasp* Instagram wasted zero time. Comments started pouring in under Prada's video: 'Why they wearing Indian flats???' 'Kolhapur—a royal city from Maharashtra, INDIA 🇮🇳. Atleast be considerate enough to give credit to right people and right source...' 'At this price you can take a trip to Maharashtra and buy many original Kolhapuris for ₹250-₹3000.' I mean, they're not wrong. Kolhapuris have been handmade by artisans across Maharashtra and Karnataka for generations. Real ones are made using sun-dried buffalo hide, stitched completely by hand, and don't use any glue or synthetic material. It can take up to two weeks to make a single pair. So yeah, there's craftsmanship, but it's been happening long before the runway decided to catch up. The chappals even got a GI (Geographical Indication) tag in 2019. That's like the government officially going: 'Yep, these are ours. Back off.' To be clear, Prada didn't say these are Kolhapuris. But fashion stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania posted side-by-sides on her story, with the caption, "called it! Prada kohlaprui chapals" and honestly? It's giving Ctrl+C, Ctrl+Luxury. Look, I'm all for Indian design getting global love. It is cool seeing something from home take a stroll down a Milan runway. But when there's no shoutout to where it came from or who makes it—just a vague "genuine, nice" vibe—it feels kinda… off. Hello @Prada Team Here are my bespoke #KolhapuriChappal; proudly hand made by expert craftsman in #Kolhapur #Maharashtra #India. Beautiful, ain't they? Request you to do the right thing and give the credit where it is due. #KolhapuriChappals #IndianCraftsmanship … — Manoj Shendye (@shendye) June 24, 2025 Twitter: @shendye Because when your nani's chappals end up on a luxury catwalk with zero context and a five-figure price tag in rupees, it's no longer just a fashion story. It's a visibility story. An authenticity story. A who's getting credit and who's getting erased story. @Prada You should credit the artisans of india who has been doing this design and craftsmanship for 100's of years. Prada why Plagiarise? We ain't asking for royalty. Dear world this is call Kohlapuri sandals/slippers. Prada — Swathi Kr Iyengar (@swathikr) June 25, 2025 Twitter: @swathikr And yeah, this isn't Prada's problem alone. We've also seen Indian dupattas suddenly pop up on Pinterest as 'Scandinavian scarves.' And some fashion brands are debuting a crop top, a flared skirt, sometimes with a matching scarf. Sounds familiar? Of course it does. That's literally just a lehenga. None of this is new to us. What's new is the way it's being renamed, resold, and rebranded, while the actual communities and artisans behind it are left out of the picture entirely. No one's saying inspiration is a crime. But if fashion wants to borrow, it also needs to acknowledge. Because when the world starts calling Kolhapuris 'toe ring sandals,' lehengas 'bridal skirts,' and dupattas 'Nordic accessories,' we lose more than credit, we lose cultural clarity. fuck your 'scandinavian scarf' it's a chunni or a dupatta. that's it. — Simran (@_simran_gill_) April 15, 2025 Twitter: @_simran_gill_ Let's be real, it totally got copied. Prada may not have said the word Kolhapuri, but anyone who grew up around desi chappals clocked it in two seconds. This isn't just 'inspiration,' it's the fashion world doing what it always does: taking something from a culture, rebranding it, and slapping a luxury price tag on it. And sure, it's cool to see Indian design on a global stage. But if you're gonna take from it, at least say its name. If Kolhapuris are good enough for Milan, they're good enough to be named.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Exclusive: Sonakshi Sinha Reacts To Rs 1.2 Lakh Prada Kolhapuri Chappals, "The Prices Are Ridiculous"
New Delhi: Luxury fashion house Prada is under the spotlight for its latest footwear drop, a pair of leather sandals calling it 'the toe ring sandal' that bear a striking resemblance to India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals - with a price tag of approximately Rs 1.2 lakh. The internet is split. While some are calling it cultural appreciation, others argue it borders on appropriation, especially with no mention of the chappals' Indian roots. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Sonakshi Sinha shared her thoughts, "It's always great whenever any part of India is on the global map. It's a big deal for all of us. It's very exciting news that Prada has done Kolhapuri chappals. As Indians, we feel very very proud which is great, but the prices are a bit ridiculous. So, it balances the situation." The original Kolhapuri chappals, handcrafted by artisans in Maharashtra for over a century, are known for their durability, detailed stitching, and heritage leatherwork. Usually priced between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000, depending on the intricacy and quality, they're a staple in Indian fashion and deeply rooted in cultural identity. Online reactions range from bemused to outraged. One user wrote, "Rs 1.2 lakh and not even a 'Kolhapuri' mention?" Another asked, "When will Indian artisans get this level of recognition and compensation?" While Prada hasn't officially labelled the pair as Kolhapuris, the resemblance is undeniable. The debate once again highlights the need for global fashion brands to acknowledge the origins of traditional designs not just aesthetically, but with credit and context. As Indian craftsmanship quietly continues to inspire the world, the conversation around representation, pricing, and proper attribution is louder than ever and it's one worth having.
