Luxury fashion brand Prada has publicly acknowledged that its men’s Spring–Summer 2026 sandals were inspired by India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals—traditional handmade leather footwear with a rich cultural legacy and protected GI (Geographical Indication) status since 2019. This statement came after widespread criticism from Indian artisans, government officials, and the public, who were upset that the sandals were described only as generic “leather sandals,” ignoring their Indian origins. Prada’s CSR head Lorenzo Bertelli wrote to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, expressing the brand’s respect for the craftsmanship behind Kolhapuris, clarifying that these designs are still in early stages and not yet on sale, and indicating a willingness to collaborate with local artisans. This development has sparked broader conversations about ethical fashion, proper recognition of indigenous art forms, and the protection of traditional designs through GI and intellectual property rights in India.
Prada Credits Kolhapuri Chappals After Backlash, Highlights India’s Craft Heritage
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Prada Credits Kolhapuri Chappals After Backlash, Highlights India’s Craft Heritage
Luxury fashion brand Prada has publicly acknowledged that its men’s Spring–Summer 2026 sandals were inspired by India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals—traditional handmade leather footwear with a rich cultural legacy and protected GI (Geographical Indication) status since 2019. This statement came after widespread criticism from Indian artisans, government officials, and the public, who were upset that the sandals were described only as generic “leather sandals,” ignoring their Indian origins. Prada’s CSR head Lorenzo Bertelli wrote to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, expressing the brand’s respect for the craftsmanship behind Kolhapuris, clarifying that these designs are still in early stages and not yet on sale, and indicating a willingness to collaborate with local artisans. This development has sparked broader conversations about ethical fashion, proper recognition of indigenous art forms, and the protection of traditional designs through GI and intellectual property rights in India.
Disclaimer
We strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in all of our reporting and coverage. We StartupNews.fyi want to be transparent with our readers about any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in our work. It’s possible that some of the investors we feature may have connections to other businesses, including competitors or companies we write about. However, we want to assure our readers that this will not have any impact on the integrity or impartiality of our reporting. We are committed to delivering accurate, unbiased news and information to our audience, and we will continue to uphold our ethics and principles in all of our work. Thank you for your trust and support.
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