The luxury brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection featured a pair of Kolhapuri chappals priced at ‘Rs 1 lakh’
Representatives of the global luxury brand Prada were in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur on Tuesday to meet local artisans and understand the traditional craftsmanship of Kolhapuri chappals. This after Prada faced widespread criticism and online backlash when it featured slippers similar to the humble ‘Kolhapuri chappal’ at the high-class Milan Fashion Week.
Not only did Prada not acknowledge the origins of the Kolhapuri footwear, it is said to have priced a pair of India’s traditional footwear at Rs 1 lakh. A part of Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection, the luxury brand referred to it as leather garments and not as Kolhapuri chappals.
But the controversy has also given Kolhapuri chappals recognition in the fashion world. After the online backlash over “cultural appropriation”, the delegation of executives from Italian luxury label landed in Kolhapur to engage with local artisans.
According to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Prada also assured that the lack of recognition was a mistake which would not be repeated and also expressed commitment to “responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.”
Collaboration is expected to enhance Kolhapuri chappals in international fashion platforms. With the help of Prada, global markets will open up for Kolhapur’s traditional craftsmanship.
According to reports the luxury brand has indicated plans to launch a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired collection in order to bring global markets to Kolhapur artisans. A follow-up visit by Prada’s business team is anticipated in early August.
Prada representatives also collected samples and completed footwear pieces to integrate traditional design elements into their future collections, according to reports.
