Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Design Controversy

Prada Acknowledges Inspiration from Indian Kolhapuri Sandals After Criticism

Prada has finally acknowledged that its "new" sandals, featured in the Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, draw inspiration from traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. This admission follows criticism for not initially recognizing the origin of the design.

The fashion world took note when Prada showcased sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, the iconic handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra. However, the brand simply referred to them as "leather sandals" in their show notes, sparking controversy.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to voice concerns. He emphasized the cultural and artisanal significance of Kolhapuri chappals, which have held a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

Subsequently, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of CSR at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the "inspiration" behind the sandals. Bertelli admitted that the design was influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear with a "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 a desire to explore collaborations with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgment is a positive step, Gandhi's core message remains relevant: cultural exchange in fashion should involve proper credit and collaboration. It's essential to recognize the origins of designs and support the communities that have preserved these traditions.

If this incident prompts major brands to genuinely uplift traditional crafts, rather than simply repackaging them, it could represent significant progress for the fashion industry.