Prada's recent footwear unveiling at Milan Fashion Week drew criticism for resembling traditional Kolhapuri sandals from India. The brand has since recognized its Indian roots, sparking discussions on cultural appreciation and artisan rights.
Prada Embraces Indian Heritage Amid Cultural Appropriation Controversy
Prada Embraces Indian Heritage Amid Cultural Appropriation Controversy
Luxury brand Prada acknowledges the inspiration behind its new sandals, facing backlash for apparent cultural appropriation.
In response to the uproar surrounding its latest footwear collection, Prada has acknowledged the influences of traditional Indian design. The sandals showcased during Milan Fashion Week featured a distinctive open-toe braided pattern reminiscent of the Kolhapuri sandals, a culturally significant style hailing from the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The initial failure to credit these roots provoked accusations of cultural appropriation, prompting swift reaction from enthusiastic supporters of Indian craftsmanship.
In an official statement, Prada clarified that it values traditional craftsmanship and has communicated with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to address the matter. A spokesperson affirmed the company's commitment to maintaining dialogue with local artisans regarding meaningful exchanges and collaborations. This response came after a letter from the trade organization expressed concern over the commercialization of Kolhapuri designs without proper acknowledgment of the artisans' historical contributions.
Kolhapuri sandals have a rich heritage, tracing their origins back to the 12th century, and were awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019. This designation serves as a testament to their authenticity and ties to the Kolhapur region. While the sandals typically sell for a modest price in India, Prada’s high-end pricing, coupled with the lack of acknowledgment of the artisans, has angered many.
Artisans from Kolhapur, such as Prabha Satpute, voiced their discontent: “These sandals are made with the hard work of leather workers in Kolhapur. They should be named after Kolhapur. Don’t take advantage of others' labor.” Industrialist Harsh Goenka also criticized the situation, remarking that local makers barely profit from their handcrafted goods while global brands thrive on their cultural heritage.
Despite the controversy, some within Kolhapur see a silver lining, expressing pride that their craftsmanship has received international attention. Local businessman Dileep More noted that artisans are glad their work has been recognized, emphasizing a dual sentiment of vulnerability and validation in the face of global fashion trends.
As the dialogue surrounding cultural appreciation continues, it remains to be seen how major brands like Prada will navigate these complex narratives in their future designs.
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook for more updates.
In an official statement, Prada clarified that it values traditional craftsmanship and has communicated with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to address the matter. A spokesperson affirmed the company's commitment to maintaining dialogue with local artisans regarding meaningful exchanges and collaborations. This response came after a letter from the trade organization expressed concern over the commercialization of Kolhapuri designs without proper acknowledgment of the artisans' historical contributions.
Kolhapuri sandals have a rich heritage, tracing their origins back to the 12th century, and were awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019. This designation serves as a testament to their authenticity and ties to the Kolhapur region. While the sandals typically sell for a modest price in India, Prada’s high-end pricing, coupled with the lack of acknowledgment of the artisans, has angered many.
Artisans from Kolhapur, such as Prabha Satpute, voiced their discontent: “These sandals are made with the hard work of leather workers in Kolhapur. They should be named after Kolhapur. Don’t take advantage of others' labor.” Industrialist Harsh Goenka also criticized the situation, remarking that local makers barely profit from their handcrafted goods while global brands thrive on their cultural heritage.
Despite the controversy, some within Kolhapur see a silver lining, expressing pride that their craftsmanship has received international attention. Local businessman Dileep More noted that artisans are glad their work has been recognized, emphasizing a dual sentiment of vulnerability and validation in the face of global fashion trends.
As the dialogue surrounding cultural appreciation continues, it remains to be seen how major brands like Prada will navigate these complex narratives in their future designs.
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook for more updates.
