Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration for New Sandal Design After Backlash

Prada Acknowledges Inspiration from Kolhapuri Sandals After Criticism

Prada has finally addressed the controversy surrounding its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection, specifically a pair of sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, traditional Indian leather footwear. The initial lack of acknowledgment of this inspiration sparked criticism, prompting the luxury brand to respond.

The issue arose when fashion observers noticed the uncanny similarity between Prada's "leather sandals" and the iconic Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture president, Lalit Gandhi, was among the first to voice concerns, emphasizing the cultural and artisanal significance of Kolhapuri chappals, which have held a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the influence of traditional Indian handcrafted footwear on the design. Bertelli stated that the collection is still in its early design phase, not yet in production or available for sale.

He also expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and a desire to explore future collaborations with local artisans.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a welcome step, Gandhi's point remains crucial: Cultural exchange in fashion should involve proper credit and collaboration, not just appropriation. True recognition involves supporting the artisans and traditions that inspire designs.