Kolhapuri Sandals: Prada and the Cultural Appropriation Controversy

At Milan Fashion Week’s spring/summer menswear show in June 2025, Prada S.p.A. (Prada) ignited a major controversy when it featured open-toe braided leather sandals that were nearly identical to traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. Despite the Kolhapuri chappal’s centuries-old heritage and its 2019 geographical Indication status, Prada described its sandals simply as “leather footwear,” failing to credit their Indian origin. This omission led to widespread accusations of cultural appropriation, exploitation, and design theft, particularly given the stark contrast between the sandals’ luxury price tag of around US$1,200 and the modest cost of authentic Kolhapuris. The backlash from Indian artisans, politicians, and the public was intense, eventually compelling Prada to issue a belated statement acknowledging the sandals’ Indian inspiration. The incident raised questions about ethical leadership and stakeholder engagement, prompting a global discussion on the responsibility of international brands to celebrate—rather than appropriate—traditional craftsmanship and to ensure equitable recognition for the original creators.