Prada Team Visits Kolhapur After Cultural Appropriation Row Over Kolhapuri Chappals

A high-level team from Italian fashion giant Prada has arrived in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, to assess the traditional craft of Kolhapuri chappals. The move comes after the brand faced global backlash for allegedly culturally appropriating the iconic Indian footwear without acknowledging its origins in its Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

The visiting delegation comprises Prada’s core technical team, currently in Kolhapur to evaluate the traditional production methods of the Kolhapuri chappals. The team is expected to spend the evening engaging with local artisans, cooperative heads, and stakeholders to understand the intricacies of the craft. They are scheduled to depart the following morning.

This marks the first leg of a two-part visit by Prada, a second delegation is expected in the first week of August.

The second delegation will include Prada's global business head, global communications head, and other senior corporate leaders. This group will first visit Mumbai for high-level discussions with government officials and trade bodies.

As per an earlier NDTV report, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MACCIA) had formally raised concerns with Prada, urging the brand to acknowledge the GI-tagged Kolhapuri heritage and explore a collaborative partnership.

"Prada is now interested in launching a limited-edition Kolhapuri-inspired collection made in partnership with local artisans," MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi told NDTV in an exclusive statement. "This is a major win for cultural recognition and ethical fashion," he added.

During Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection showcased at Milan Fashion Week on June 22, the brand featured Kolhapuri-inspired sandals. The luxury flats, priced at over Rs 1.25 lakh, were paired with at least seven out of the 56 ensembles displayed during the show. However, what drew criticism was the absence of any mention of the footwear’s Indian roots, sparking outrage on social media.

On June 28, Italian fashion house Prada acknowledged that its Men's 2026 Fashion Show is inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage.

"We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship," said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, in a letter to Gandhi.

Kolhapuri chappals are more than just footwear—they are a cultural legacy dating back to the 12th century. Traditionally handmade by cobblers in Maharashtra and Karnataka, these chappals were granted a Geographical Indication tag in 2019 by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.