After facing the will to display sandals such as Kolhapuri Chappals, the Italian brand Prada admitted that it was inspired by Indian handmade shoes. Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra, Industry and Agriculture, previously raised concerns about this matter.
Prada Lorenzo Bertelli, in a letter to Mahashtr’s business body, expressed respect for the cultural value of such a craft. The letter came after protests above the sandals listed at the men’s show of spring treatment of Prada 2026.
“We acknowledge that sandals have performed in a recent fashion show of Prada Men 2026, inspired by traditional Indian handmade shoes, with centuries -old legacy,” said PTI Lorenzo Bertelli, head of Prada, as stated in Gandhi.
“We deeply recognize the cultural importance of such an Indian craft,” Bertelli added.
“Please note that the whole collection is currently at the early stage of design development and none of the pieces is confirmed that it is made or commercialized,” Bertelli wrote.
According to Bertelli, Prada is determined by a responsible design and respecting traditional Indian crafts. The brand wishes to participate in local Indian craftsmen and ensure that they receive proper credit for their work, he said.
Prada leaves the Indians upset
Many in India were upset after Prada introduced sandals in his collection of men in the spring of 2026, which looked similar to Chappals Kolhapuri. The brand called them “leather sandals” in description notes without mentioning its Indian roots.
Gandhi wrote great -grandfather and pointed out that Kolhapuri Chappals had had the GI brand since 2019. He referred to handmade sandals, holding a deep cultural value in the Mahari and supported thousands of craftsmen.
Gandhi appreciated the cultural exchange in fashion, but criticized Prada for not attaching or working with local craftsmen. He called for Prad to publicly acknowledge inspiration, consider fair partnership and support ethical fashion.
“Such a gesture would not only adhere to ethical standards in a global way, but would also promote a meaningful exchange between the inheritance of craftsmanship and contemporary design,” Gandhi wrote in his letter.
(Tagstotranslate) Prada
