The unveiling of Prada sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals during Milan Fashion Week has provoked accusations of cultural theft in India, prompting the brand to acknowledge the inspiration behind its designs.
Prada's Controversial Sandals Spark Cultural Debate in India
Prada's Controversial Sandals Spark Cultural Debate in India
A recent runway show featuring sandals echoing traditional Indian designs ignites a national conversation regarding cultural recognition and appropriation.
Earlier this month, the renowned Italian fashion label, Prada, showcased models strutting down the Milan Fashion Week runway in T-strap sandals, sparking an unexpected cultural controversy. Social media in India erupted as many noticed the sandals bore a striking resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri chappal, a handcrafted leather footwear style that is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. Commonly found with soles as flat as dried meat, these sandals hail from Kolhapur, a town in Maharashtra, which proudly embodies a rich cultural heritage.
The backlash against Prada was swift and fierce. Indian netizens expressed their outrage, accusing the luxury brand of design theft and cultural appropriation, while insisting that the brand acknowledge its inspiration. This incident highlights India's growing assertiveness in the global arena—a country increasingly vocal about the need for recognition of its cultural contributions.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture took action, sending a formal letter to Prada demanding accountability. Following this, the fashion house released a statement acknowledging its misstep, admitting that "sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, were featured in its Men’s 2026 Spring Summer show in Milan." Karnataka, being Maharashtra's neighbor, further connects the cultural heritage intertwined with the Kolhapuri chappal.
In a world where cultural influences intersect, this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for sensitivity and recognition in an age of globalization. As nations like India continue to rise on the global stage, their calls for respect and acknowledgment of their cultural icons are likely to grow louder.
