Global fashion giant Prada faces backlash after showcasing sandals clearly inspired by Maharashtra’s iconic footwear.
At Prada’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan, amid dramatic leather jackets and minimalist tailoring, one accessory stole the spotlight-and stirred controversy. The luxury house debuted sleek leather sandals strikingly similar to Kolhapuri chappals, the timeless hand‑stitched leather slippers from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. But the label failed to acknowledge the footwear’s Indian origin, reigniting accusations of cultural appropriation.
Crafted with slim leather straps, prominent toe rings, and open silhouettes, the sandals appeared in four of the show’s 56 looks. Attendees also received a souvenir “leather ring”-a pointed nod to the toe ring design. Despite the clear visual homage, no mention of Kolhapuri heritage accompanied the press materials or runway credits.
The social media response was swift and fiery. On X (formerly Twitter), one user posted:
“Prada SS26 includes Kolhapuri chappal, Western fashion industry is ripping off Indian fashion again.”
Another commenter noted:
“They say if you don’t value your culture, someone else will… our artisans get no credit or fair pay.”
These echoes of past controversies—like the “Scandinavian scarf” or unacknowledged saree adaptations—underscore a growing frustration with Western brands repackaging traditional designs.
The Kolhapuri chappal isn’t merely footwear-it carries centuries of craftsmanship. Dating back to the 12th century and popularised under Maharaja Shahu, these chappals hold a GI tag and are deeply woven into regional identity. Yet, the current boom has been threatened by rising leather costs, labour shortages, and shifting labor demographics.
Fashion commentators have dubbed this incident “Scandi‑scarf scandal 3.0,” lamenting the erasure of cultural context from ancestral crafts . Observers note that while global brands profit from these designs, the original artisans receive little visibility or financial recognition.
This isn’t the first time high-end fashion has courted controversy. From Christian Louboutin’s “Imran sandal”– an echo of Pakistani Peshawari footwear- retreating after backlash, to Prada’s own infamous “Pradamalia” keychains deemed blackface the industry is repeatedly challenged over cultural insensitivity.
For Kolhapuri artisans, whose livelihoods are rooted in centuries of tradition, the Prada episode underscores a painful reality: global recognition often arrives only when heritage is commodified- without attribution or benefit.
