New Delhi, July 3, 2025 — Luxury fashion label Prada has landed in legal hot water in India after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court accusing the brand of cultural appropriation. The controversy erupted after the Italian fashion house launched a sandal design bearing a striking resemblance to India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals.
The PIL, filed by a collective of craft advocacy groups and legal activists, calls for:
- A formal public apology from Prada
- Compensation for affected artisan communities in Maharashtra
- An immediate halt to further sales and marketing of the product
🧵 What Sparked the Backlash?
Prada’s recently released footwear — marketed as a “heritage leather sandal” — bears multiple design elements traditionally found in Kolhapuri chappals, including:
- The distinctive T-strap and toe-ring design
- Handcrafted leatherwork resembling patterns from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur region
- A minimalist, open-toe construction
Despite this, the product made no mention of its Indian origins or the artisans who have preserved and passed down the Kolhapuri style for generations.
“This is not just about a shoe,” said one of the petitioners. “It’s about erasure of heritage and denial of rightful credit and benefits to indigenous craftsmen.”
👣 Kolhapuri Chappals: A Cultural Symbol
The Kolhapuri chappal, handcrafted by artisans from the Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, is protected under India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is regarded as a symbol of traditional Indian craftsmanship.
Artisan networks and local cooperatives across Maharashtra and Karnataka have worked tirelessly to revive and sustain this form of heritage footwear in domestic and international markets.
“It is deeply disrespectful for a global luxury brand to lift our design without acknowledgment,” said a spokesperson from the Kolhapuri Artisan Federation.
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Questions
The PIL raises broader questions about intellectual property, ethical design, and fair trade, especially when it comes to global brands capitalizing on traditional knowledge without giving due credit.
The petitioners have urged the court to direct Prada to:
- Include proper labelling and attribution in future collections
- Create a royalty-based model for Indian artisans if such designs are reproduced commercially
- Fund community-based artisan development programs
🗨️ What’s Next?
The Delhi High Court has sought responses from Prada’s legal representatives and scheduled the next hearing for later this month. Legal experts say this could set a precedent in cultural appropriation and GI protection law in India.
Meanwhile, the controversy has gone viral on social media, with hashtags like #KolhapuriNotPrada and #RespectHandmade trending as users rally behind Indian artisans.
🧵 Conclusion
As the case unfolds, it reignites the conversation around ethical fashion and the importance of recognizing traditional craftsmanship in the global design ecosystem. Whether Prada responds with reform or resistance remains to be seen — but for now, all eyes are on the courtroom and the cobbler’s bench.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
