Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Influence on Sandal Design After Criticism

Prada has finally recognized that its new sandal design was inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear, after facing criticism for not initially acknowledging the source.

The controversy began when Prada showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, which included sandals that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals. These chappals are iconic, handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra, India, with a rich cultural history. However, Prada's show notes only referred to them as "leather sandals," omitting any mention of the Indian origin.

This omission sparked criticism, with figures like Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, pointing out the cultural significance and artisanal value of Kolhapuri chappals. He also noted that they have a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019, further emphasizing their unique regional identity.

In response to the backlash, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of CSR 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 with a "centuries-old heritage." He also clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet been produced or sold. Furthermore, he expressed Prada's respect for Indian craftsmanship and interest in exploring collaborations with local artisans in the future.

While Prada's acknowledgement is a welcome step, it highlights the importance of giving proper credit and supporting traditional crafts in the fashion industry. Cultural exchange should involve recognizing the origins of designs and collaborating with the communities that have preserved these traditions. This incident underscores the need for fashion brands to move beyond simply "borrowing" designs and instead actively uplift and support the artisans and cultures behind them.