Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Prada Faces Backlash Over Kolhapuri-Style Footwear
Prada showed shoes in Milan that look like Indian Kolhapuri sandals.
Some people are upset because Prada did not say that the design is from India.
They think it is not fair to take an idea from another culture without giving credit to the people who made it.
People are talking about the importance of protecting traditional crafts.
Prada presented Kolhapuri-style flats at a Milan fashion show.
Indian designers and critics expressed disappointment over lack of acknowledgment.
Kolhapuris are a living tradition, crafted by generations of artisans.
Social media users accused Prada of cultural appropriation.
The controversy highlights the invisibility of Indian heritage in global narratives.
- Who
- Prada, Indian designers, critics, and social media users.
- What
- Prada showcased Kolhapuri-style footwear at a fashion show.
- When
- Recently.
- Where
- Milan fashion show and globally.
- Why
- To introduce a new footwear design and spark dialogue on cultural appropriation.
Critics' Viewpoint
Prada's Perspective
Cultural Appropriation
Critics' Viewpoint
Prada is appropriating Indian culture without acknowledgment.
Prada's Perspective
Prada is interpreting existing designs.
Representation of Heritage
Critics' Viewpoint
There is an inadequate representation of Indian artisanal heritage.
Prada's Perspective
Global narratives often omit source origins.
- Brand
- Prada
- Product
- Kolhapuri-style flats
- Location
- Milan Fashion Show
- Criticism
- Cultural appropriation and lack of credit
Sources
'Mumbai Linking Road zindabad': Prada Kolhapuri chappals priced at ₹1 lakh stump Indian netizens
i> Flats With A Rs 1.2 Lakh Price Tag, Shocks The Internet
High Fashion's Habit of 'Borrowing' from India Isn't New. Prada's Kolhapuri <i>Chappals<
i> Flats With A Rs 1.2 Lakh Price Tag, Shocks The Internet
Prada Steals India’s Kolhapuri Legacy? ₹2K Chappals Sold For ₹1.1 Lakh, No Credit Given| Blueprint
Shobhaa De's Viral NDTV Clip: Kolhapuri Chappal And ₹1.2 Lakh Prada Row