US EditionPrada Acknowledges Indian Roots in Controversial Sandal Design
- Prada unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection featuring open-toe sandals inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri footwear on June 22 in Milan.
- The sandals sparked outrage among Indian artisans and politicians because Prada did not explicitly credit the centuries-old Kolhapuri craft from Maharashtra.
- Lorenzo Bertelli, responsible for Prada’s social impact initiatives, addressed the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to acknowledge the Indian roots of the sandals and expressed Prada’s interest in collaborating with local artisans.
- Prada sells these leather sandals for about $844 while traditional Kolhapuri sandals retail for roughly $12, highlighting a sharp price difference and luxury market dynamics.
- The controversy underscores ongoing debates about cultural appropriation in fashion while some artisans find satisfaction in the newfound global recognition of their craft.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Sandal Scandal: Prada Credits New Design’s Indian Legacy Amid Furore
NEW DELHI/MILAN, June 28 (Reuters) - Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada has acknowledged the ancient Indian roots of its new sandal design after the debut of the open-toe footwear sparked a furore among Indian artisans and politicians thousands of miles from the catwalk in Italy.
The giant Prada luxury fashion has recognized the Indian roots of his new sandal model, after the debate of the old-fashioned climber has eliminated anger between Indian artists and politicians, thousands of miles away...
Sandal scandal: Prada credits new design’s Indian legacy amid furor
NEW DELHI/MILAN: Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada has acknowledged the ancient Indian roots of its new sandal design after the debut of the open-toe footwear sparked a furor among Indian artisans and politicians thousands of miles from the catwalk in Italy. Images from Prada’s fashion show in Milan last weekend showed models wearing leather sandals with a braided design that
Prada Acknowledges Indian Roots in Controversial Sandal Design
Prada's new sandal design, resembling India's Kolhapuri slippers, sparks controversy amidst Indian artisans and politicians. The brand's corporate social responsibility head, Lorenzo Bertelli, recognized the design's Indian roots. Despite criticism, some local artisans appreciate the global recognition of their traditional craftsmanship.
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