Prada Team Visits Kolhapur Amid Kolhapuri Sandals Row, Meets Local Artisans
Kolhapur, July 16 — Days after facing backlash for showcasing Kolhapuri-style leather slippers without crediting their origin during its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan, a delegation from Italian fashion house Prada visited Kolhapur on Tuesday to engage with local artisans and better understand the traditional craft.
The controversy erupted after fashion observers and social media users pointed out that Prada’s high-end leather sandals, featured in at least seven runway looks during Milan Fashion Week, closely resembled the iconic Kolhapuri chappals—a centuries-old Indian craft. The sandals, priced at approximately ₹1.2 lakh each, were described merely as “leather garments” on Prada’s platforms, with no mention of their cultural roots, prompting accusations of cultural appropriation.
In response to the growing criticism, six senior representatives from Prada arrived in Kolhapur to engage directly with artisans and trade representatives. Among them were Paolo Tiveron, director of Prada’s men’s footwear division, and Daniele Contu, pattern-making head. They were accompanied by Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli, among others.
“They assured us that such a mistake will not be repeated,” said Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA), which had earlier written to Prada demanding accountability. “They also expressed interest in helping Kolhapuri slippers gain rightful global recognition.”
The Prada team visited Jawahar Nagar, one of Kolhapur’s traditional shoemaking hubs, and interacted with artisans including Shubham Satpute, Balu Gawli, Arun Satpute, Sunil Lokre, and Balasaheb Gawli, observing how Kolhapuri chappals are handmade using time-honoured techniques.
The Kolhapuri chappal, which received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, holds cultural and historical significance in India. It is known for its intricate craftsmanship, vegetable-tanned leather, and regional authenticity. Trade experts say the lack of attribution by Prada was a serious oversight, especially given the product’s protected status.
Following the visit, Prada released a statement reiterating its commitment to “responsible design practices” and “meaningful cultural engagement” with local artisan communities. The brand also expressed interest in launching a limited-edition ‘Made in India’ collection, co-created with Kolhapuri artisans.
Gandhi also noted that MACCIA has urged the Maharashtra government to introduce stronger protections to safeguard the reputation of Kolhapuri footwear globally.
The visit marks the beginning of what could be a more collaborative and respectful approach to global design, potentially setting a precedent for how luxury brands interact with traditional crafts going forward.
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