Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence After Design Controversy

Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Backlash

Prada has finally addressed the controversy surrounding its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection, which featured sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian leather footwear. The fashion house initially faced criticism for not acknowledging the origin of the design.

The issue gained traction when Indian fashion observers noticed the similarity between Prada's "leather sandals" and the iconic Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra. Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to speak out. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals are not just ordinary sandals but carry significant cultural and artisanal value, even possessing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In response to the criticism, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the "inspiration" behind the sandals. Bertelli admitted that the design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, recognizing its centuries-old heritage.

Bertelli also clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet entered production or been offered for sale. He further emphasized Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and expressed a desire to explore opportunities for closer collaboration with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a welcome step, Gandhi's broader point remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion must be accompanied by proper recognition and collaboration. It is essential not only to "borrow" but also to acknowledge the origins of designs and support the communities that have preserved these traditions.

The incident highlights the need for fashion brands to actively uplift traditional crafts, rather than simply repackaging them. Such an approach could represent a significant step forward for the industry, promoting ethical and respectful cultural exchange.