Dhananjay Mahadik, a member of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said he presented a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the state to act against what they deemed was cultural and commercial appropriation.
He further stated that the revenue generated from the sale of these sandals should go to the artisans who craft the Kolhapuri chappals.
When Kolhapuri sandals were presented in Prada's runway fashion show, hundreds of mocking comments were left on social media posts about the luxury brand's sandals.
An X user wrote, "Prada’s ₹1.2 lakh Kolhapuri chappals are a shameless cash grab. These handcrafted chappals, a Maharashtra legacy for centuries, sell for ₹300-₹1500 in Kolhapur’s markets. Yet, Prada slaps on a logo, calls them “leather sandals,” and erases their cultural roots. It’s not luxury, it’s cultural theft. While artisans struggle, Prada profits off their heritage. "
Another X(Formerly Twitter) user highlighted this issue.
An X (formerly Twitter) user commented, ""Luxury" brands profiting off indigenous craftsmanship without credit? Classic case of cultural appropriation disguised as high fashion. The community deserves recognition, not exploitation."
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce wrote to Prada chairperson Patrizio Bertelli about the concerns of sandal makers.
Two days later, he responded. It acknowledged that the design was inspired by the sandals made in India. According to PTI, the brand conceded that footwear showcased in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear line was inspired by India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, named for the Maharashtrian city where they were first made.
Kolhapuri chappals were the inspiration behind the footwear featured in the Milan show, the Italian luxury label said, according to a report by the Press Trust of India.
As per the WIRE report, Prada is likely to hold a meeting with artisans from the Kolhapuri chappal-making industry along with representatives of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) to discuss potential avenues of collaboration.
The MACCIA has received a communication wherein Prada has proposed a video call meeting on either July 11 or July 15. The session will be attended by Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility, Prada Group, and son of the brand’s majority owners; Christopher Aaron Bugg, global director of communication; Roberto Massardi, chief business development officer; and Francesca Secondari, group general counsel.
