Prada landed in trouble after they copied India’s famous Kolhapuri chappals design for their Men’s 2026 fashion show. However, the global luxury brand was unaware of Indian fashion lovers and their keen eye for global trends. Soon, they received major backlash for not giving credit to the Kolhapuri chappals. It clearly looked like they were ready to make the design their own and sell it for Rs. 1 lakh, which was just insane. But after a major backlash. After the backlash, they gave a statement that it was inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. Now, Prada’s team have officially visited Maharashtra’s Kolhapur, but fans are convinced that it is just a cover-up.
Prada’s team visits Kolhapur, but internet calls it a cover-up after receiving backlash
The Italian fashion brand visited Kolhapur to understand the history and craftsmanship of the famous Kolhapuri chappals. Not only this, but they also met local artisans and shopkeepers to learn how traditional slippers have been made for ages. A shopkeeper revealed that the Prada team had explored the largest market in Kolhapur, and they were interested in a leather bag used by conductors and petrol pump workers to store cash.
Another vendor revealed that the team had come to inspect their manufacturing units, and they observed the authentic stitching and original quality of Kolhapuri chappals. It is worth mentioning that last month, Prada faced a major backlash for copying the work of Indian artisans without giving credit. However, those who raised the official complaint and took the matter to the court said that the Italian label has not yet offered a formal apology.
Soon, netizens flooded the comment section, calling Prada’s act a cover-up by their PR team. One user wrote, “PR activity after online backlash.” A second netizen commented, “No way they could not be aware of its roots before the whole thing. they are just trying to save the brand image now.” A third one penned, “Old forgotten things becomes trend and then it becomes unaffordable – things like salad cafes sell it for 300-200 per bowl, Traditional hand craft, cloths like khadi etc.” A fourth user wrote, “I’m from Kolhapur so glad that the culture is getting appreciated but what Prada has done is just damage control.”
Prada and the Kolhapuri chappal controversy
It is worth mentioning that Prada made the Kholapuri chappals go around the world by featuring them as part of Prada’s Men’s Spring Summer 2026 collection, leading to a huge controversy. In the fashion show, men were seen donning the Kolhapuri chappals, and it was being labelled for Rs. 1.2 lakh. They slammed the brand for failing to give credit to the traditional Indian craft of making Kolhapuri Chappals or the artisans, who have been associated with the making of it.
Prada dragged to court in India
Not only this, a public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court demanding that the Italian fashion house pay monetary compensation to the artisans of the footwear for copying their design. According to the petitioner, Ganesh Hingmire, Prada accepted that its collection is inspired by Indians. And it surfaced after facing widespread backlash. It is also worth mentioning that the brand has not yet issued any formal apology along with the demages or compensation or a remedy towards the situation. The petition read:
“The Kolhapuri chappal is the cultural symbol of Maharashtra and has special public sentiments attached to it. The brand has privately accepted that its collection is “inspired by Indian artisans”; however, this acknowledgment surfaced only after facing widespread backlash on various social media platforms. This acknowledgment was given to the private entity and not to the applicant, makers of Kolhapuri Chappal, Geographical Indication (GI) Registry, government, or the public at large.”
What do you think about Prada’s trip to Kolhapur?
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