Is Prada feeling guilty for seeking inspiration without giving due credit? The Italian luxury fashion giant has dispatched a high-level team to Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to assess the traditional craft of the iconic Kolhapuri chappals. This move comes in the wake of global backlash over the brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which featured sandals inspired by Kolhapuris without any reference to their origin, history, or craftsmanship.The visiting representatives, including Prada’s core technical team, are currently studying the traditional production methods of Kolhapuris. The team is expected to spend the evening engaging with artisans, cooperative heads, and local stakeholders to better understand the history and intricacies of the craft.
(Image Credits: Instagram)
However, this is just the first leg of a two-part visit. A second delegation, including Prada’s global business head, global communications head, and other senior corporate leaders, is scheduled to arrive in the first week of August. They will begin their visit by meeting various trade bodies in Mumbai before proceeding to Kolhapur.Cheers to a limited-edition release?Prada is also exploring the launch of a limited-edition Kolhapuri-inspired collection, created in partnership with local Indian artisans. This initiative, confirmed by MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi, could mark a significant step forward for cultural recognition and ethical fashion.
Earlier, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture had formally raised concerns with the brand, urging it to acknowledge the GI-tagged Kolhapuri heritage and explore a potential collaboration with Indian artisans.
What sparked the controversy?
On June 22, Prada unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Milan Fashion Week, featuring Kolhapuri-inspired sandals priced at a staggering ₹1.25 lakh. The absence of any acknowledgment of the footwear’s Indian roots drew widespread criticism and triggered a social media storm.
(Image Credits: Instagram)
Within a week, Prada issued a statement acknowledging that the Men’s 2026 collection was inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, which boasts a centuries-old legacy.While this gesture signals progress, the question remains, does it reflect a genuine cultural collaboration or merely a strategic cover-up?
