Archive · 27 Jun 2025
Prada's Kolhapuri Chappals Spark Backlash Over Cultural Theft
Prada made sandals that look like Indian Kolhapuri chappals and showed them at a fashion show in Milan.
They called them something else and charged a lot of money for them.
People online got angry because they thought Prada was taking something from Indian culture without giving credit.
They also thought Prada was selling them at a price much higher than the original handmade versions.
People are calling it cultural theft, which means taking someone else's culture and using it for profit without their permission.
Prada showcased sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals at Milan Fashion Week.
The sandals were priced at Rs 1.16 lakh and were part of Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
The original Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted in Maharashtra and GI-tagged.
Backlash ensued online, with accusations of cultural theft and lack of acknowledgment.
Comedian Vir Das satirized the situation, highlighting the price difference.
- Who
- Prada, Indian artisans, and online commentators, including Vir Das.
- What
- Prada presented sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals at Milan Fashion Week.
- When
- During the Spring/Summer 2026 collection showcase.
- Where
- Milan, Italy and online.
- Why
- To capitalize on a design similar to Indian Kolhapuri chappals.
Artisans' & Netizens' Perspective
Prada's Perspective
Cultural Appropriation vs. Inspiration
Artisans' & Netizens' Perspective
Cultural theft, lack of acknowledgment, and appropriation.
Prada's Perspective
Fashion inspiration, design innovation.
Economic Impact
Artisans' & Netizens' Perspective
Financial exploitation of a traditional craft, charging inflated prices.
Prada's Perspective
Luxury branding, capitalizing on market trends.
- Product
- Prada sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals
- Price
- Rs 1.16 lakh
- Origin
- Kolhapur, India
- Collection
- Prada Spring/Summer 2026
- GI Tag
- Awarded to Kolhapuri chappals in 2019
Sources
Exclusive: Sonakshi Sinha Reacts To Rs 1.2 Lakh Prada Kolhapuri Chappals, "The Prices Are Ridiculous"
Prada Kolhapuri Sandals Spark Outrage, Legal And Government Reactions Follow
i> Row: "GI Tag Infringement Case Against Brand Won't Hold," Says Lawyer
Kolhapuri footwear makers allege GI breach by Prada, demand revenue share