Latest news with #prada
NDTV
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Prada Acknowledges Being Inspired By Indian Kolhapuri Chappals Featured In 2026 Collection
Italian luxury couture label, Prada has been facing major backlash post featuring footwear that strongly looks like the traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals in their latest Spring/Summer 2026 collection showcased at the Paris Men's Fashion Week 2025. Artisans from around India and particularly Maharashtra have raised their voices after footwear similar to the famous Kolhapuri chappals featured in Prada's show. They went onto allege a violation of geographical identification (GI) rights in this matter. What's more, BJP MP, Dhananjay Mahadik on Thursday, June 26. 2025 led a delegation of artisans who make the traditional Kolhapuri chappals to meet Maharashtra CM, Devendra Fadnavis. They presented a letter urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) The Italian fashion house finally acknowledged that the fetaured footwear pieces were isnpired by the Indian handcrafted pieces. According to news agency Press Trust Of India (PTI), "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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) Further in a letter penned to Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility expressed, "We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship." Lorenzo Bertelli's letter is in response to one written by Gandhi after the backlash broke out over Prada's kolhapuri footwear fetaured in its latest fashion showcase in Paris. In the show notes, Prada had described the footwear as leather sandals with no reference to its Indian roots, that evoked outrage from many in India's fashion universe as well as the traditional artisans who make the Kolhapuri chappals in the western Maharashtrain region. In his letter to the brand Lalit Gandhi wrote, "I am writing to respectfully draw your attention to a matter concerning your recently unveiled Men's Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which was showcased on 23rd June 2025 in Milan." He further added, "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." He emphasised the roots and heritage of the Indian footwear pieces. "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." He also requested for due acknowledgement for the Kolhapuri chappals by Prada in this matter. "While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialized without due acknowledgment, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations." Lalit Gandhi added how the iconic Indian footwear are symbol of Maharashtra's cultural identity and support livelihoods of local artisans. "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." Lastly he called out for ethical upholding of standards in global fashion by Prada. "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." In his response, Lorezo Bertelli wrote, "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 commercialized." He further added, "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." Lorenzo Bertelli closed his letter to Lalit Gandhi with these words. "Prada strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized 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."
NDTV
26-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Prada Kolhapuri Chappals Row: "GI Tag Infringement Case Against Brand Won't Hold," Says Lawyer
Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has come under fire in India after featuring leather flat sandals, priced at approximately Rs 1.2 lakh, that closely resemble traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The sandals were recently showcased at Prada's Milan runway show. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) The product's resemblance to the iconic Indian footwear has raised questions over cultural appropriation and intellectual property rights, particularly as Kolhapuri chappals received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, recognising their cultural and regional significance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) According to senior lawyer Ameet Naik, a GI infringement case may not be sustainable. "Prada has taken a view that these are flat sandals and that there is no misrepresentation. A passing off action could be explored, but may not be a strong case of infringement. Prada could have avoided controversy by clearly acknowledging the Indian inspiration behind the design," he said. The issue has prompted reactions from various government officials and industry bodies. A senior official at the Leather Industries Corporation, said Prada had not contacted the corporation and said that a detailed inquiry would be conducted, with necessary action to follow. Prakash Abitkar, Guardian Minister of Kolhapur, however, said, "the global display of Kolhapuri-style leatherwork could benefit local artisans." He added that the state is launching a cluster scheme to promote the leather industry in the region. Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Social Justice, Maharashtra, said the matter is not limited to chappals but includes bags and other leather accessories. She said, "the government is working to uplift traditional cobblers through skill development and financial assistance, and that international visibility could lead to better prices for their work." Kolhapuri chappals, known for their handcrafted leather design, are traditionally made by artisan communities in Maharashtra and have been in use since at least the 12th century. While no legal action has been initiated yet, the matter has sparked a national conversation around the recognition and protection of traditional Indian designs in global markets.
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Prada Drops Latest Kolhapuri Flats With A Rs 1.2 Lakh Price Tag, Shocks The Internet
Prada has left the internet in a state of shock with the launch of their latest K olhapuri flats that are reportedly priced at Rs 1.2 lakhs. The whopping price for a pair of chappals has raised quite a few eyebrows on the internet. The luxury fashion house, Prada recently unveiled a new collection of open-toe slip-on style sandals that are commonly known as Kolhapuri chappals in the local Indian market. But what is making jaws drop is the sky-high retail price of the Kolhapuri flats which is approximately Rs 1.2 lakhs per pair. The high fashion footwear is crafted with premium materials and a minimalist Indian inspired design, that has sparked style and price tage related debates in the fashion circuit. Some hold the point of view that the new Prada Kolhapuris are a statement of luxury lifestyle and branding, while others question the logic of shelling out the whopping sum of money on a pair of every footwear. The Italian luxury label unveiled its spring/summer 2026 collection in a dramatic showcase put together by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. With a total of 56 looks, the couture show featured contrasts including brown leather jackets and briefs, grey suits and red turtlenecks, chino trousers and handcrafted Kolhapuris. The theme of the coveted showcase was, "A shift of attitude - dismantling of meaning, and dismantling power." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) But this introduction of Kolhapuris as couture footwear pieces had Indians with zooming in on four models wearing footwear that were most definitely Kolhapuri chappals that came with a luxe price tag of Rs 1.2 lakhs or 1000 euros. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada)
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Prada Drops Latest Kohlapuri Flats With A Rs 1.2 Lakh Price Tag, Shocks The Internet
Prada has left the internet in a state of shock with the launch of their latest K olhapuri flats that are reportedly priced at Rs 1.2 lakhs. The whopping price for a pair of chappals has raised quite a few eyebrows on the internet. The luxury fashion house, Prada recently unveiled a new collection of open-toe slip-on style sandals that are commonly known as Kolhapuri chappals in the local Indian market. But what is making jaws drop is the sky-high retail price of the Kolhapuri flats which is approximately Rs 1.2 lakhs per pair. The high fashion footwear is crafted with premium materials and a minimalist Indian inspired design, that has sparked style and price tage related debates in the fashion circuit. Some hold the point of view that the new Prada Kolhapuris are a statement of luxury lifestyle and branding, while others question the logic of shelling out the whopping sum of money on a pair of every footwear. The Italian luxury label unveiled its spring/summer 2026 collection in a dramatic showcase put together by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. With a total of 56 looks, the couture show featured contrasts including brown leather jackets and briefs, grey suits and red turtlenecks, chino trousers and handcrafted Kolhapuris. The theme of the coveted showcase was, "A shift of attitude - dismantling of meaning, and dismantling power." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) But this introduction of Kohlapuris as couture footwear pieces had Indians with zooming in on four models wearing footwear that were most definitely Kolhapuri chappals that came with a luxe price tag of Rs 1.2 lakhs or 1000 euros. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada)
Deccan Herald
25-06-2025
- Deccan Herald
'Cultural theft': Prada sells desi Kolhapuri-style chappals for over Rs 1 lakh; no credit given to Indian craftsmen
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada (@prada) PRADA is selling Kolhapuri chappals for ₹1.2 lakh — a design stolen from the Chamar community of India, who've handcrafted them for generations. No credit. No acknowledgment. Just pure cultural theft dressed in luxury branding. Shameful. #CulturalTheft #Kolhapuri — The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) June 25, 2025
