Prada Faces Backlash for Copying Kolhapuri Chappals, Credits India After Social Media Uproar

Luxury fashion brand Prada has found itself at the centre of a cultural controversy after launching a sandal design that closely resembled India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals. What began as a regular product drop soon snowballed into online backlash, with users accusing the global brand of cultural appropriation and design plagiarism. Following the outrage, Prada was compelled to credit India for the design inspiration.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The issue came to light when Prada’s latest footwear collection featured a sandal strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals — a handcrafted leather footwear style native to Maharashtra and Karnataka. The resemblance was quickly pointed out by Indian social media users, artisans, and cultural commentators who demanded recognition for the original craft and its roots.

The criticism focused not only on the lack of credit but also on the high-end pricing of the sandal, with many comparing it to the affordable, handcrafted versions made by Indian artisans.

The Cultural Significance of Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri chappals are more than just footwear — they are a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and rural livelihoods in western India. Each pair takes hours of labour, passed down through generations of cobblers and artisans, primarily in Tier 2 towns like Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Solapur.

For many families in these regions, the craft is their primary source of income. The sudden global spotlight — minus acknowledgement — felt like a disservice to their legacy.

Prada’s Response and the Credit That Followed

After widespread criticism, including from Indian celebrities and craft advocates, Prada updated the product description to acknowledge the Indian origin of the design. However, many feel the response came too late and lacked sincerity.

Craft activists argue that luxury brands often borrow from cultures without engaging with them or giving back to the communities that keep such traditions alive.

Why This Matters to India’s Artisans

In a globalised fashion world, issues like this affect the perception and value of Indian crafts. Artisans from smaller cities and towns rarely get international recognition, despite producing work that major designers sometimes imitate. This incident has reignited conversations around geographical indication (GI) tags, fair trade practices, and the importance of protecting indigenous designs.

Entrepreneurs in cities like Jaipur, Pune, and Coimbatore are now urging the government and fashion bodies to create stronger legal and digital frameworks to safeguard traditional Indian crafts.

Conclusion

The Prada–Kolhapuri episode serves as a reminder of the thin line between inspiration and appropriation. While global exposure for Indian designs is welcome, it must come with due credit and collaboration. For artisans across Tier 2 India, it’s not just about footwear — it’s about identity, livelihood, and respect. As the conversation grows louder, so does the call to honour the hands behind the heritage.