Kolhapuri Craftsmen Meet CM Protesting Prada Knock-off

CROSSOVER OR CULTURAL THEFT? Kolhapuri chappals (left)—the iconic handcrafted footwear made by generations of artisans in Kolhapur—strutted onto the global stage after luxury label Prada showcased a version at Milan Fashion Week, priced at over ₹1 lakh (right).

- Faisal Malik

MUMBAI: Italian luxury fashion house Prada's showcase of the Kolhapuri chappal-inspired footwear — T-strapped, flat and intricately braided — at the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan earlier this week, has drawn censure among artisans of Kolhapur, where the humble footwear originated in the 12th century. It was awarded a GI (Geographical Indication) tag by the Government of India in 2019.

The footwear, which defines casual chic in India, in its luxe avatar is priced at ₹1.2 lakh. In India, a pair of Kolhapuri chappals is sold between ₹1000 and ₹4000.

Objecting to the European brand's cultural appropriation while keeping their craftsmanship in the shadows, a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, requesting him to scale up the case of the brand creating a replica of their craft with the central government.