The luxurious Prada brand is accused of cultural dependence. According to media reports, this happened after applying the models on Kolhapuri sandal, without reference to the source of this shoe.
As the island mentioned, Harish Karad She was surprised to monitor models on the platform at Milan Fashion Week, sitting in his village in the southern state of Mahartra, more than 7,000 km from the city, by phone. Models showed a new line of leather sandals with an open toe from the Italian fashion house Prada. But in India, these images caused a storm between craftsmen and politicians after the Italian giant forgot to mention the old roots of the design in Mahartra.
“They stole (Prada) our skill and copy, but we are happy.” Kouradi said fun.
“Today, the eyes of the whole world are linked to” Chapalah “Kolhapuri (the term Indian to refer to sandals),”, He added.
Kolhapur is a city in Mahartra, which has been named. After a wave of criticism, Brada admitted, in her message to the Maharacetra Chamber, that her new sandal “Inspired by traditional Indian manual shoes with centuries -traditions”. As Kawadi rejoices that the vertical craft of his village can get global fame, other craftsmen, politicians and activists are concerned about the risk of cultural allocation and financial employment by Prada.
The brand of classic sandals with a T -shaped belt in the Spring/Summer 2026 male group at Milan Fashion Week. In the official notes of this offer, the Italian brand described a new line of shoes simply as “leather sandal”, without any reference to India, despite the amazing similarity with a collapsed sandal, which is very common in India and often puts in weddings and holidays with traditional clothes.
The Sandalia Folders Group from Kolkhapuri met with the Prime Minister of Mahastra Prime Minister Mahrastra Devendra FadnavisTo express your protest. The Deputy Parliament from the Colkapore region also provided support Danishi Mahedik. The latter said that the craftsmen and their supporters are a lawsuit in the Pombay Supreme Court against Prada.
Mahedik also wrote to Fadenfis, and transformed “Emergency attention to a dangerous violation of cultural identity and craftsmen in skills” And ask him “Protection of the cultural heritage of the state”. In his letter, he stated that Brada sandals are sold for about 1400 dollars per husband. For comparison, the real kolhapuri sandal is sold in local markets at about $ 12.
The Macharstra Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural and Agricultural sent a message Patterso BertelliChairman of the Brada Board of Directors, in which she put the attention of craftsmen. Two days later, Brada replied, admitting that inspiration was extracted from the Indian centrifuges.
“We are strongly aware of the cultural importance of this Indian craft. We would like to make it clear that at the present time, the entire group is confirmed in the early stages of development, and one of the models provided for production or sale is not confirmed,” -The company’s press service.
Prada also stated that they are still “committed to responsible design methods, enhancing cultural dialogue and discovering real cooperation with Indian crafts societies in order to ensure proper recognition of their letter.”
“Prada seeks to honor and recognize the value of these specialized professors, who represent a unique standard of perfection and heritage,” I was in the press service.
Sriichita WanguriHydapad’s fashion is described by Prada’s actions “Disappointing, but not at all amazing.”.
“Luxury brands have a long history of borrowing design elements of traditional crafts without referring to authorship – until a general reaction arises,” The island said.
“This is a cultural allocation if it stops inspiration without referring to authorship or exchange of benefits,” – The businessman added.
Vanguri emphasized that Kolkhapuri sandals are not just a design, but the legacy of Mahastra and the neighboring state of Karnatac.
“Ignore this context erases real people and ways to live,” She added.
Kolkhapur, southwest of Maharacetra, is a city, “Saturated with royal heritage, spirituality, and craftsmanship. In addition to handicrafts, it is also famous for its Hindu temples and acute food. Kolkhapuri sandals from the twelfth century are the beginning of the twelfth century, and more than 20,000 local families are still working in this craft. The Kurade family, who was pleased with recognition all over the world, is on the outskirts of Kolkhapur and participated in this craft for 100 years. However, he says that work has suffered greatly in recent years.
Prada has already been criticized in the past for the alleged cultural allocation, especially in 2018, when her main “Pradamalia” group – Fobs and numbers that resemble racist animation. After replying, Prada recalled the products and apologized.
