Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence After Design Origins Ignored

Prada Acknowledges Inspiration from Indian Kolhapuri Sandals After Backlash

Prada has conceded that its newly unveiled sandals draw inspiration from traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals, following criticism for initially failing to acknowledge the footwear's origins.

The controversy arose after Prada showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, which included sandals closely resembling Kolhapuri chappals, a distinctive style of handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra, India. Observers noted that Prada's show notes simply referred to them as "leather sandals," omitting any reference to the traditional Indian craftsmanship behind the design.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, voiced his concerns, emphasizing the cultural and artisanal significance of Kolhapuri chappals. He highlighted that these sandals possess a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019, recognizing their unique regional origin and craftsmanship.

In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the influence of traditional Indian footwear on the design. Bertelli stated that the sandals were inspired by India's centuries-old heritage of handcrafted footwear. He clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase, with no production or sales underway. Bertelli further expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and a desire to explore collaborations with local artisans.

Gandhi maintains that while cultural exchange in fashion is valuable, it requires proper acknowledgment and collaboration. He stresses the importance of recognizing the origins of designs and supporting the communities that preserve these traditions. The incident highlights the need for fashion brands to move beyond simply "borrowing" designs and actively contribute to sustaining traditional crafts.

If this situation prompts major brands to support and uplift traditional crafts, rather than merely repackaging them, it could mark a positive shift within the fashion industry.