The Sandal Scandal: Prada Footwear ‘Inspired’ from Kolhapuri Chappals
The sandals worn by Prada models at a recent men’s fashion show in Milan, Italy, caused an uproar on social media. The footwear resembled Kolhapuri chappals, the handcrafted leather sandals that originate from the Maharashtra town of Kolhapur and have been made for centuries in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
In 2019, the Indian Patent Office placed a geographical identification tag on the sandals, mandating that only those made in certain districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka could carry the name of “Kolhapuri chappal.”
While Prada did not use the Kolhapuri name, the company still faced accusations of design theft and cultural appropriation on social media, and received a stern letter from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).
In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada, issued a letter to MACCIA. “We acknowledge that the sandals... are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage,” Bertelli wrote.
He expressed an understanding of the cultural value of Indian craftsmanship and committed to “responsible design practices, enhanced cultural engagement, and opening meaningful dialogue with local artisan communities in India.” Prada also assured MACCIA that it would honor and preserve the unique craftsmanship that represents excellence and heritage.
MACCIA noted that “while Prada was selling the Kolhapuri-style sandals at over ₹100,000, local artisans in Kolhapur craft the same footwear for as little as ₹400.”
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Compiled and partly written by Indian humorist MELVIN DURAI, author of the novel Bala Takes the Plunge.
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