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. The fashion house initially failed to acknowledge the Indian origin of the footwear, drawing criticism from industry experts and cultural observers.

The contentious design was first showcased as part of Prada's Spring-Summer 2026 collection, prompting immediate reactions from those familiar with the iconic handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra, India. The brand's description of the sandals as simply "leather sandals" further fueled the controversy.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, publicly called out Prada for its oversight. He emphasized the cultural significance and artisanal heritage of Kolhapuri chappals, which have been recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In a letter to Gandhi, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the Prada Group, acknowledged the "inspiration" behind the sandals. Bertelli admitted that the design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, recognizing its "centuries-old heritage." He also clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet entered production or retail. Bertelli expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and signaled a desire to explore potential collaborations with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a welcome step, Gandhi's initial point remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion necessitates proper credit and genuine collaboration. It is essential to recognize and support the origins of traditional crafts and the communities that have preserved them. This incident underscores the fashion industry's responsibility to move beyond mere appropriation and toward meaningful partnerships that uplift traditional crafts.