Kamal Ghorui
If you’ve been scrolling fashion feeds lately, you’ve probably seen Prada popping up everywhere. The brand just dropped a new sandal collection – and yes, it’s inspired by India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals. Sounds exciting, right? Well… the internet has thoughts.
So, what did Prada actually launch?
Prada recently revealed a limited-edition sandal line that it says blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with its own luxury design style. The collection is being made in India, with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka involved in the process.They’ve teamed up with organisations like LIDCOM and LIDKAR, aiming to highlight local craftsmanship while giving it a global, high-fashion twist.
There’s also a bigger plan behind it – Prada says part of the project includes funding training programs for artisans, helping them upgrade their skills and stay relevant in today’s fashion market. On paper, it sounds like a thoughtful collab between luxury fashion and heritage craft.
Then why is everyone annoyed?
Because the internet isn’t buying the “inspired” part. The moment Prada dropped the video, people online started calling it out. Many users felt the sandals didn’t just take inspiration from Kolhapuris – they looked almost exactly like them.And honestly, that’s where things got messy. Comments ranged from sarcastic to outright angry. Some joked it was like calling “haldi doodh” a “turmeric latte,” while others accused the brand of simply repackaging something that already exists – and selling it at a luxury price.
Wait, wasn’t there already a controversy?
Yes – and that’s important context. Back in 2025, Kolhapuri-style sandals showed up on Prada’s Milan runway, but without proper credit to the Indian artisans who’ve been making them for generations. That didn’t go down well. Kolhapuri chappals aren’t just another design – they’re a centuries-old craft, handmade and deeply rooted in regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The backlash was big enough to spark legal discussions and a wider conversation about cultural credit in fashion.
Is this new launch damage control?
A lot of people online seem to think so. This time, Prada has clearly acknowledged Indian artisans and even shifted production to India. But critics argue that the brand is trying to “fix” the earlier controversy rather than genuinely celebrating the craft.And then there’s the price factor. Reports suggest the sandals could go up to luxury-level pricing (think tens of thousands of rupees), which adds another layer to the debate:How does a traditional, locally made product suddenly become ultra-expensive just because of a designer label?
The bigger fashion question
This whole moment is bigger than just one brand or one pair of sandals. It taps into a growing conversation in fashion:Where do we draw the line between inspiration and copying?Global brands often borrow from traditional designs – but today’s audience is more aware, more vocal, and quick to call things out. At the same time, collaborations like this can create opportunities for artisans—if done with transparency, fair credit, and real benefits.
So… hit or miss?
That depends on who you ask. Some see it as a step in the right direction – bringing Indian craftsmanship to a global stage. Others think it still misses the point. Either way, one thing’s clear: Kolhapuri chappals didn’t need a luxury brand to go viral – they’ve been iconic all along.
