The recent episode involving Prada’s use of Kolhapuri-style slippers without due credit has sparked a crucial conversation about cultural appropriation, artisan recognition, and ethical design practices in the global fashion industry. What began as backlash against a luxury brand has now evolved into a potential opportunity for Indian craftsmanship to gain overdue international respect.
🥿 What Happened:
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During the Spring/Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week, Prada featured at least seven looks with models wearing Kolhapuri-style leather chappals, priced around ₹1.2 lakh each.
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However, the slippers were simply described as "leather garments," with no mention of their Indian origin — specifically Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
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This lack of attribution caused significant outrage in India, especially from artisans, trade bodies, and cultural commentators.
🛬 Prada Responds with a Visit to Kolhapur:
In response, a six-member senior team from Prada visited Kolhapur to:
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Understand the history and craftsmanship behind Kolhapuri slippers.
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Engage with local artisans such as Shubham Satpute, Arun Satpute, Balu Gawli, Sunil Lokre, and Balasaheb Gawli.
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Tour the Jawahar Nagar footwear-making hub, known for preserving traditional chappal-making techniques.
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Meet with officials from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA).
📜 Key Outcomes of the Visit:
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Prada acknowledged the oversight and promised it would not happen again.
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The brand pledged to promote Kolhapuri slippers on the global stage, giving rightful credit.
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Expressed interest in a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri collection in collaboration with Indian artisans.
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Committed to responsible design practices and cross-cultural engagement.
🌍 Why It Matters:
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Kolhapuri chappals have Geographical Indication (GI) status since 2019, recognizing their authentic heritage and region-specific craftsmanship.
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Fashion experts have emphasized that repurposing traditional designs without attribution amounts to cultural theft, especially when sold at luxury prices.
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The incident highlights a growing demand for ethical fashion that values source communities, especially in a post-pandemic era where sustainability and transparency are paramount.
🧵 Moving Forward:
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MACCIA is urging the Maharashtra government to enhance legal and cultural protections for regional handicrafts.
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The Prada partnership — if executed with authenticity — could open global markets for Kolhapuri artisans, increasing income and employment.
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This could become a model for fair-trade luxury design, where heritage isn’t mined but celebrated and shared.
✅ Final Thought:
While Prada’s initial move was seen as a textbook case of cultural appropriation, their swift corrective action and willingness to engage directly with Kolhapuri artisans suggest an emerging global awareness about ethical design. If followed through, this could become a landmark collaboration — where tradition meets haute couture, and artisans from Kolhapur step onto the international stage with their names, rights, and stories intact.
