Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence on Sandal Design After Backlash

Prada Acknowledges Inspiration from Kolhapuri Chappals After Criticism

Prada has finally acknowledged that its "new" sandals draw inspiration from Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear, after facing criticism for initially failing to credit the design's origins. The fashion house's Spring-Summer 2026 collection featured sandals that bore a striking resemblance to the iconic Kolhapuri chappals, handcrafted leather footwear from Maharashtra.

The issue gained traction when Prada presented these sandals as simply "leather sandals," without acknowledging their Indian heritage. This sparked outrage among fashion observers and cultural advocates alike.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, was among the first to voice his concern. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals are more than just ordinary sandals; they represent cultural and artisanal heritage, holding a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In response to the criticism, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of Corporate Social Responsibility 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, recognizing its "centuries-old heritage". He also clarified that the collection is still in the early design phase, not yet in production or available for sale.

Bertelli further expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and a desire to explore future collaborations with local artisans. While Prada's acknowledgement is a welcome step, Gandhi's core message remains crucial: cultural exchange in fashion must involve proper credit and collaboration. It's not enough to simply "borrow" designs; it requires recognizing the origins and supporting the artisans who preserve these traditions.

If this incident prompts major brands to genuinely uplift traditional crafts, rather than merely repackaging them, it could signify a positive shift in the fashion industry.