Prada, an Italian luxury brand, is getting some serious heat online after their recent Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan showcased sandals that are, by all accounts, exact replicas of Maharashtra’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals.
These hand-crafted leather footwear date back centuries, yet the designers of the product never once mentioned or credited the legacy of the art or the generations of artisans who have kept the craft alive.
Apart from the lack of credits, what shocked the audience was the staggering price disparity of the product. While authentic Kolhapuri sandals are sold in local markets for Rs 300-Rs 1500, Prada reportedly sold their version for almost Rs 1.2 lakhs.
Social media users were quick to point out how international brands blatantly appropriate cultures without due credit or compensation. One post suggested that these brands just slap on a logo and completely erase the products cultural roots.
While artisans today struggle to find a market for their craft, Prada just profits off of their heritage. This isn’t luxury; it’s cultural theft.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that Western brands have repackaged South Asian culture for profits.
Fashion experts as well as social media users are demanding international brands give credit where it’s due and share profits with the communities and artisans whose traditions they’ve borrowed.
Sharing and celebrating cultures should be a moment of pride for the brand as well as their inspirations. If Prada were to celebrate the artisans of the original craft, the narrative would’ve been a lot different.
