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Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Prada admits Kolhapuri chappals inspired footwear collection after backlash
Days after featuring footwear inspired by Kolhapuri chappals in its Milan show, luxury brand Prada has acknowledged its source of inspiration. The brand has admitted that footwear showcased in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear line was inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals. 'Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear featured in our Milan show,' the Italian luxury label said, according to a report by the Press Trust of India. The admission comes amid growing backlash in India, where both officials and artisans accused Prada of cultural appropriation and overlooking the heritage behind the handmade leather sandals. The footwear, presented at Milan Fashion Week, closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals — traditional open-toe leather sandals made for generations by artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Prada responds to online backlash In a letter addressed to Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, wrote: '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.' Earlier this week, BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The delegation submitted a letter calling for steps to protect the product's Geographical Indication (GI) rights and ensure the cultural significance of the footwear is upheld. 'Designs not finalised for production' In his reply, the brand also clarified that the designs are still under development: '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.' The brand added: 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.' Meanwhile, Bertelli also expressed interest in further talks: 'We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams.' Prada commits to heritage recognition Bertelli closed his letter by stating: 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage.' He reaffirmed the brand's willingness to engage further: 'We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams.' Previously, on June 23, MACCIA had written to Prada after the Milan show, criticising the brand for showcasing sandals labelled only as 'leather sandals' with no reference to their Indian origins. It stated: 'It has come to public attention 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.' Symbol of cultural identity In his letter, Lalit Gandhi highlighted the cultural and economic significance of Kolhapuri chappals: '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 also urged Prada to acknowledge its source of inspiration and explore ways to support the artisans: 'While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialised without due acknowledgment, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations.' He added: 'We kindly urge Prada to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit the artisan communities involved and consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights.'
News18
8 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
8 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.
India Today
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Prada finally gives Kolhapuris their due
After rubbing many Indians the wrong way and inviting backlash from Maharashtra's artisan community (and a formal nudge from MACCIA), luxury label Prada has finally admitted it drew inspiration from India's iconic Kolhapuri reported by PRI, in a statement to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), a Prada spokesperson said, '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.'advertisementHowever, the brand also clarified that the sandals seen on the runway haven't been finalised for production yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) '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,' said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's group head for corporate social had written to Prada, flagging concerns about cultural appropriation and lack of acknowledgement, especially since Kolhapuris hold Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since part of their letter, MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi reminded the brand, '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.'advertisementHe further added, 'While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialised without due acknowledgement, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations."MACCIA has urged Prada to go beyond words and actually collaborate with local craftsmen.'We kindly urge Prada to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit the artisan communities involved and consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights.'The tone of the letter was firm but hopeful: 'Such a gesture would not only uphold ethical standards in global fashion, but also foster a meaningful exchange between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design. We trust that a brand of Prada's stature and influence will take this concern in the right spirit and initiate a thoughtful response.'Prada's response, at least on paper, hits the right notes:'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.'advertisementBertelli also added, 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognise the value of such specialised craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage. We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams.'At the ongoing Milan Fashion Week, of the 56 looks presented at the fashion showcase, at least seven Prada Spring/Summer 2026 looks featured models wearing Kolhapuris. This caused quite a stir in outrage back home because, though there was representation of an Indian fashion staple on a global level, there was no credit whatsoever.(With inputs from PTI)- EndsTrending Reel
New Indian Express
9 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.
