Prada Admits Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Design Controversy: Luxury Brand Faces Backlash, Promises Collaboration

Prada has admitted that its "new" sandal design was inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian footwear, after facing backlash. The luxury brand's Spring-Summer 2026 collection featured sandals that closely resembled the iconic Kolhapuri chappals, sparking criticism for not acknowledging their origin.

The controversy arose when Prada showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection, which included sandals that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, the handcrafted leather footwear from Maharashtra, India. Instead of acknowledging the inspiration, Prada simply referred to them as "leather sandals" in their show notes, causing discontent among fashion observers.

Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to criticize Prada. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals hold cultural and artisanal significance, possessing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag since 2019.

In response to the criticism, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of CSR at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the "inspiration" behind the sandals. He admitted that the design was influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear with a "centuries-old heritage." Bertelli clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and has not yet been produced or sold. 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, Gandhi's point about cultural exchange remains crucial. Proper credit and collaboration are essential in the fashion industry. It's not enough to merely "borrow" designs; it's about recognizing the origins and supporting the artisans who have preserved these traditions.

If this incident leads to major brands genuinely supporting traditional crafts instead of just repackaging them, it could signify progress for the fashion industry.