05-07-2025
Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta on Prada Kolahpuris controversy: Every child knows who Prada and Gucci are, but very few ...
Radhika Gupta
, CEO of
Edelweiss Mutual Fund
has started an online debate by calling out popular fashion brand Prada for showcasing scandals that resemble closely to India's traditional
Kolhapuri chappals
. Gupta has criticised Prada for not giving the due credit to the original artisans. Her remarks soon went viral on social media calling for the recognition and preservation of India's textile heritage.
What Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta said on Prada Kolahpuris controversy
Gupta shared a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) in which she criticised Prada. '500 rupee chappal sold for 1 lakh, without any credit! This is why I am obsessed with wearing and talking about handlooms. Every child knows who Prada and Gucci are, but very few in a room know a Himroo, Sambalpuri or Narayanpet. Our textile heritage and craftsmanship is for us to preserve, brand and benefit from. As for Prada... Remember that till the lion learns to write, all stories will always glorify the hunter.' wrote Gupta.
She emphasised the critical need for Indians to proactively "preserve, brand, and benefit from" their own cultural wealth.
Billionaire Harsh Goenka also criticised Prada
Apart from Radhika Gupta, billionaire Harsh Goenka also called out Prada for selling Kholapuris at such a high price tag. 'Prada is selling products looking like Kolhapuri chappals for over ₹1 lakh. Our artisans make the same by hand for ₹400. They lose, while global brands cash in on our culture. Sad!,' wrote Goenka in a post shared on X.
What is the Prada Kolahpuris controversy
The
Prada Kolahpuris controversy
started after the luxury fashion brand launched its Spring/Summer 2026 men's collection. The summer collection consisted of open-toe, braided leather sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuris. For those unaware, Kolhapuris are a GI tagged handcrafted footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
After the backlash, the luxury fashion brand has reportedly scheduled a virtual meeting with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) for July 11. This meeting aims to explore potential collaborations, including co-branded collections and skill development initiatives.
