"No credit to Kolhapur, no mention of its roots"
Prada has come under fire for its Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection, which featured footwear that bore a striking resemblance to India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals.
However, the Italian fashion house did not offer any credit to its cultural origins.
The collection, unveiled on the runway in Milan, showcased slim, tan leather sandals with ringed toes, a silhouette instantly recognisable to Desi people.
Adding to the controversy, Prada sent out show invites that included a “leather ring”, a not-so-subtle nod to the defining feature of Kolhapuris.
But the brand made no mention of the footwear’s Indian roots. The omission has triggered widespread criticism across social media platforms.
Celebrity stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania called out the brand directly, reposting an image of the sandals and writing: they were “a pair of good old Kolhapuri chappals”.
Meanwhile, fashion watchdog Diet Sabya commented:
“Not to be that nagging aunty but are we ready for a Prada Kolhapuri that’ll cost us £1,000 (approx. Rs 1.17 Lakh) a pair?
“And that’ll be ‘Fashion’ because Europeans will suddenly start wearing it. Quite interesting if you think about it.”
Footwear designer Aprajita Toor expressed frustration at the lack of cultural recognition:
“It’s encouraging to see Indian designs like the Kolhapuri enter the global fashion dialogue, but it’s equally important that their origins are honoured.
“When luxury brands reference traditional crafts without crediting the culture or the artisans behind them, it’s not homage, it’s an oversight.
“These aren’t just trends; they’re legacies. And the legacy belongs to the people who’ve kept it alive.
“If the world is watching now, let it also listen. Recognition without credit is not a celebration, it’s appropriation.
“The story deserves to be told fully, with our craftsmen at the centre of it.”
Kolhapuri chappals are leather sandals that are tanned using vegetable dyes.
Long praised for their durability and style, they are a symbol of India’s indigenous artisanal skill.
Online, Indian users shared a mix of disbelief and disappointment.
Many couldn’t fathom how something commonly sold on the streets in Mumbai for as little as Rs. 300 (£2.50) could now be rebranded and priced at over Rs. 1 lakh (£850).
One social media user said: “Prada is now selling Kolhapuri chappals for over Rs 1 Lakh… What you get on Linking Road for 300 is now an international luxury for the runway.
“No credit to Kolhapur, no mention of its roots… just luxury pricing on Indian craft. But here’s what’s changing… Global fashion isn’t just borrowing from India. It’s building on it.
“From Dior in Mumbai to Jacquemus-style drapes… Indian design is no longer ‘inspired’, it’s leading.
“So if you’re building a fashion brand today. Don’t strip away your culture to look global. Use it to stand out.”
For many, the issue lies not with inspiration but with omission.
Indian designers and artisans have long seen their work reflected in Western fashion with little or no attribution.
While borrowing is part of the global fashion language, critics argue that failing to credit original sources, especially from marginalised or colonised communities, is problematic.
The timing has only fuelled the backlash.
With Indian fashion gaining greater recognition on international platforms, expectations have shifted. Audiences now demand not just representation, but respectful recognition.
This moment, critics say, is a missed opportunity.
Prada had the platform to highlight the beauty of Kolhapuri craftsmanship, acknowledge its heritage, and honour the artisans behind it. Instead, it chose silence.
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