Days after facing criticism for showcasing Kolhapuri-style leather slippers without proper credit, a team from Italian fashion house Prada arrived in Kolhapur on Tuesday to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic Kolhapuri chappals.
Lalit Gandhi, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, told India Today TV, “A few days ago, Prada held a fashion show in Milan, Italy, where Kolhapuri slippers were featured. However, Prada described them merely as leather garments, without acknowledging their origin.”
Following the backlash, six senior representatives from Prada, including Paolo Tiveron, the director of the men’s technical and production department (footwear division), Daniele Contu, pattern-making manager of the footwear division, Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli, visited Kolhapur to gain a better understanding of the traditional craft.
“They assured that such a mistake would not be repeated in the future. Furthermore, the Prada representatives promised to help give Kolhapuri slippers rightful recognition on a global scale,” Gandhi added.
The team visited the Jawahar Nagar area, known for producing traditional Kolhapuri footwear, and interacted with local artisans including Shubham Satpute, Balu Gawli, Arun Satpute, Sunil Lokre and Balasaheb Gawli.
At the recent Milan Fashion Week, at least seven of Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 looks featured models wearing Kolhapuri-style slippers. These were priced at around Rs 1.2 lakh each but were not referred to by their original name or cultural roots, causing outrage in India.
Trade experts called the lack of credit a serious oversight. Kolhapuri chappals have held Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since 2019, recognising their unique heritage and regional identity.
Gandhi also said, “The state government is being urged to take steps to protect the reputation and popularity of Kolhapuri slippers.”
Earlier, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture had written to Prada, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the lack of acknowledgement.
In response, Prada said it would work towards “responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.”
