Prada breaks its silence

Blitz Bureau

NEW DELHI: Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has finally admitted that its spring/summer 2026 menswear line includes footwear inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. The statement comes amid growing criticism in India over the brand’s use of the traditional design without acknowledging its roots. “Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear featured in our Milan show,” the luxury fashion brand said, reported news agency PTI. The Italian fashion brand’s response follows backlash on social media and concerns raised by Indian officials and artisans, who accused the brand of cultural appropriation and failing to credit the legacy and craftsmanship behind the traditional design.

The open-toe leather sandals showcased at the Milan Fashion Week closely resembled Kolhapuris — handcrafted leather footwear made by artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka for generations.

“We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men’s 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,” wrote Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, in a letter addressed to Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).

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