A team of technical experts from Prada, the Italian luxury brand, visited Kolhapur, India, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, to interact with local artisans and assess footwear manufacturing processes. The visit followed accusations of cultural appropriation regarding sandals showcased in Prada’s men’s 2026 fashion show, which were allegedly inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, specifically the Kolhapuri chappals.
Prada’s Response to Controversy
The controversy arose after Prada’s 2026 fashion show where the sandals, which were at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production, sparked debate. Following the criticism, Prada acknowledged that the sandals were inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. This admission came after the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture contacted Prada, who subsequently confirmed the inspiration via email. The visit by the technical team indicates a serious interest in the region, and, according to Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, it may be the first time a Prada delegation has come to Maharashtra.
The Kolhapuri Chappal and Its Significance
The Kolhapuri chappals are a specific type of handcrafted footwear originating from the Kolhapur region. These sandals are deeply rooted in Indian tradition and are known for their intricate craftsmanship. Gandhi emphasized the traditional significance of the footwear, stating, “Our chappals are handmade and rooted in tradition.”
Prada’s Technical Team in Kolhapur
The Prada team, consisting of four technical experts including footwear design heads and external consultants, toured the Kolhapuri chappal manufacturing cluster. During their visit, they observed the production process and engaged in discussions with local artisans. The team also visited the retail market area, where they interacted with shopkeepers. The purpose of the visit was to understand the local manufacturing techniques and potentially inform future design decisions or collaborations.
The Next Steps
The Prada team is expected to submit a report to Prada’s corporate office following their visit. This report may lead to a subsequent visit by senior Prada officials, according to Gandhi. The evaluation of the Kolhapuri chappal production process is a crucial step for Prada as they navigate the cultural appropriation controversy. Prada has created a product inspired by the Kolhapuri chappals.
Other Fashion Events
Elsewhere in the fashion world, the first fashion event dedicated to people with disabilities, the Vietnam Disability Fashion Show 2025, is scheduled to take place at the National Fine Arts Museum in Hà Nội on August 4. The event, themed “The Shape of Will,” is jointly organized by HGI Group, the Hà Nội’s Association of People with Disabilities, and the Việt Nam’s Centre for Vocational Education and Capacity Development for People with Disabilities. The show will feature over 50 models with disabilities from across the country.
Additionally, the 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kamadgiri Fashion will be held on August 21, 2025.
