Prada Sold ₹400 Kolhapuri Chappals for ₹85,000: Copied the Design, Gave No Credit – Now Launches New Partnership Drama

ByDelhi Magazine Team

Apr 30, 2026 #Artisan Partnership, #Backlash, #Cultural Appropriation, #Fashion Drama, #GI Tag, #Indian Craft, #Kolhapuri Chappals, #Luxury Sandals, #Made in India, #Milan Fashion Week, #Prada, #Prada Controversy, #₹400 to ₹85000

Lifestyle Desk – Delhi Magazine: Italian luxury giant Prada is once again under scrutiny after launching a limited-edition “Made in India” sandal collection inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals – nearly a year after facing severe backlash for allegedly copying the design without any credit.

In June 2025, during Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show at Milan Fashion Week, the brand showcased leather sandals that closely resembled India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals — a centuries-old GI-tagged craft from Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, Prada described them merely as “leather sandals” with no mention of their Indian origin or the artisans behind the traditional craft. The sandals were reportedly priced at nearly ₹1 lakh, triggering massive outrage on social media.

Critics highlighted the stark price difference: while authentic Kolhapuri chappals are commonly sold in India for just ₹300 to ₹400, Prada was selling a near-identical version at luxury prices without acknowledging the source. The controversy led to widespread accusations of cultural appropriation and design theft. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was also filed in the Bombay High Court seeking action and compensation for the artisans.

From Backlash to “Partnership”In April 2026, Prada officially launched the “Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” collection. The sandals are handcrafted in India by skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka in collaboration with two government organisations – LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation, Maharashtra) and LIDKAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation, Karnataka).

Each pair is priced at €750 (approximately ₹83,000–₹88,000) and is now available in about 40 Prada stores worldwide as well as on Prada’s official website (https://www.pradagroup.com/en/news-media/news-section/26-04-27-prada-kolhapuri.html). As part of the project, Prada has announced a three-year training program fully funded by the brand (including proceeds from this collection) for 180 artisans from the eight traditional Kolhapuri districts. The program, developed in partnership with NIFT and KILT, will focus on design, technical and digital skills. Top-performing artisans will also get an opportunity for advanced training at the Prada Group Academy in Italy. (source : https://www.pradagroup.com/en/news-media/press-releases-documents/2026/26-04-27-prada-kolhapuri-educational-project.html)

While Prada and the collaborating government bodies have described the initiative as a step towards preserving traditional craftsmanship and empowering artisans, many observers remain skeptical. Critics argue that this “partnership” appears to be a damage-control exercise following the intense backlash last year. The episode has once again raised important questions about how global luxury brands interact with traditional Indian crafts – whether it amounts to genuine appreciation and support, or commercial opportunism under the label of “inspiration” and collaboration.

ByDelhi Magazine Team

By Delhi Magazine Team

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