Written by Tanisha Cardozo
Milan / Mumbai | July 2025 — Global luxury fashion brand Prada has taken a major step towards cultural collaboration after facing backlash for a sandal design that closely resembled the iconic Kolhapuri chappals — a traditional Indian footwear style rooted in centuries of regional craft.
The sandals, showcased at a recent Milan fashion event, quickly drew criticism from Indian designers and cultural commentators for not crediting their indigenous origins. The controversy sparked a broader conversation about cultural appropriation and recognition in the fashion industry.
In a swift and thoughtful response, Prada held remote talks with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans. According to a statement given to Reuters, Prada expressed interest in future collaboration with these artisans. The next step, the brand shared, involves their supply chain team visiting India to meet artisanal footwear manufacturers firsthand.
Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility and son of Prada’s founders, joined the dialogue, signaling the seriousness of the initiative. One of the outcomes discussed was a limited-edition “Made in India” collection — combining the artisanal beauty of Kolhapuri designs with Prada’s global luxury appeal.
This potential partnership could represent a landmark moment for Indian craftsmanship, offering traditional artisans global visibility and financial upliftment. It also comes at a time when Indian luxury consumption is rising, although Prada currently has no retail outlets in India.
Fashion critics and supporters alike are watching closely, seeing this move as an opportunity to convert controversy into meaningful collaboration. If successful, it may inspire other global brands to build more respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with traditional craftsmen around the world.
As luxury brands increasingly pivot toward sustainability, transparency, and cultural authenticity, this collaboration may set a precedent in how design houses engage with and honour global heritage.
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