At Milan Fashion Week, Prada’s new tan-leather sandal caught attention—for resembling India’s Kolhapuri chappal almost a bit too closely.
Kolhapuris are a centuries-old artisanal staple, celebrated for rustic handcraft and cultural roots. Yet here was Prada presenting a nearly identical silhouette, sans credit or collaboration. It’s ignited global chatter: is this homage, inspiration, or extraction?
The story extends beyond footwear. It’s a microcosm of persistent questions: who gets to profit off indigenous craft? Should luxury brands acknowledge their sources? And can there be equitable exchanges rather than covert borrowings?
Even without tribunal-level scandal, the buzz damages impression. Consumers today are savvy. They want the origin story—who made it, where it came from, and if credit is due. Prada hasn’t commented yet, but the demand for transparency is growing—and fast.
Final Take: The Prada-Kolhapuri story isn’t just about shoes—it’s a callout. Global brands may be dreaming of artisan cool, but without credit or collaboration, that cool looks colonial. In 2025, cultural respect isn’t optional—it’s fully fashionable.
