Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:01am on 28 Jun 2025,Saturday Lifestyle
Luxury brand Prada acknowledged that sandals showcased in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection were inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals—handcrafted leather footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka—after facing heavy criticism online for failing to attribute the design . Social media outrage, highlighted by trending #KolhapuriChappals, exposed the disparity between the ₹300–₹1,500 artisan-made originals and Prada’s ₹1.2 lakh “luxury” version . Under pressure, Prada vowed to engage with local artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, exploring fair collaboration and ethical recognition—prompting renewed discussions on cultural respect and protection of India's GI-tagged crafts. (PC: Prada)
