The Italian luxury fashion label Prada said it recognizes the Indian roots of its new shoe line, days after the design caused a dispute in India.
The sandals presented at Milan Fashion Week last week had a woven model of open fingers, which was very similar to the traditional Kolhapuri sandals made in the Indian Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Prada described the sandals as “leather shoes”, but did not mention its Indian origin, which caused a back reaction and allegations of a culture misappropriation in India.
In response to the dispute, Prada told the BBC in a statement that he admits that the sandals were inspired by traditional Indian shoes.
A spokesman for Prada said the company “has always celebrated mastery, heritage and designers”, adding that it is “in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on this topic.” This is a prominent commercial body in the state industry.
Last week, her chief had written to the brand, saying that the design had been commercialized without lending the craftsmen who have retained their inheritance from generations.
Lorenzo Bertelli, the head of Prada's corporate social responsibility, replied to his letter, saying that the sandals were “at an early stage of design”, according to Reuters.
He also said that Prada is open to “dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian craftsmen” and the company will organize subsequent meetings to discuss this further.
Called a city in Maharashtra, where they were made, Kolhapuri sandals follow their roots back to the 12th century.
Made of leather and sometimes painted in natural colors, traditional handmade sandals are sturdy and well prepared for the hot climate of India.
In 2019, they received a geographical indication (GI) status from the Indian government.
According to the World Trade Organization, the geographical indication marker credits a product or product as originating from a particular region or place and is considered a sign of authenticity.
Following the controversy, many craftsmen in Kolhapur said they were saddened by the use of the design of the design without giving a proper loan.
“These sandals are made with the hard work of leather workers in Kolhapur. They must be baptized in Kolhapur.
Sandals cost several hundred rupees in India, but Prada's premium prices have angered some, although the brand's website does not mention the price.
Industrialist Harsh Goenka emphasized this, saying that local craftsmen have almost made money for the same handmade products. “They lose as world brands are taking money in our culture,” he said.
This is not the first time world brands have been accused of assigning Indian traditional products without lending their roots.
At the 2025 Film Festival, Gucci described Sari worn by Bollywood star Alia Bhatt as a back -reaction dress.
In May, in May, Tiktok's popular trend was criticized for calling the asshole, a traditional South Asian scarf, a Scandinavian scarf.
In Kolhapur, however, some say that this move has imposed a sense of pride in them.
“The craftsmen are happy that someone recognizes their work,” said the businessman based in Kolhapur Dilep, more to Reuters.
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