Mumbai, July 16: A team from luxury Italian fashion brand Prada has visited Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to explore the traditional craftsmanship behind Kolhapuri chappals, following controversy over alleged design plagiarism in its latest summer collection.
During their visit, the Prada team interacted with local artisans, shopkeepers, and leather workers to observe the authentic manufacturing process and understand the cultural heritage behind the iconic handmade leather footwear.
“Yesterday, the Prada team came to see how these chappals are made. Today, they visited the largest market in Kolhapur. They particularly liked the traditional leather bags we use—bags that conductors or petrol pump workers typically use for cash. They also appreciated the Kapashi Kolhapuri chappal,” a shopkeeper told ANI.
Another local vendor noted, “They recorded the entire production process and examined the technical aspects as Prada prepares to enter the retail market here.”
The visit comes in response to widespread criticism after Prada’s summer wear collection showcased sandals that closely resembled traditional Kolhapuri designs, without initially crediting Indian artisans. Although Prada later admitted the collection was “inspired by Indian artisans,” it has not issued a formal apology, offered compensation, or proposed remedial action for the alleged appropriation.
In a letter addressed to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Prada’s corporate social responsibility head Lorenzo Bertelli, acknowledged the cultural inspiration:
“We acknowledge that the sandals… are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage.”
Earlier in July, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay High Court, seeking compensation and legal remedy for the unauthorized commercialisation of Kolhapuri chappals, a product protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The PIL argues that the copying of GI-tagged products causes significant cultural and financial harm to the traditional artisan communities, particularly in Maharashtra.
The development has reignited discussions around cultural appropriation, intellectual property rights, and the need for stronger international protections for local artisans in the face of global fashion industry exploitation.