Italian luxury fashion house Prada is under fire from Indian lawmakers, artisans, and activists after unveiling a sandal design. This design is making headlines because of its striking resemblance to India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals. What caused the trouble is that Prada used the design without any acknowledgment of its cultural origins or the artisans behind the craft.

These Kolhapuri chappals were priced at around ₹1.2 lakh. It was featured in Prada’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Milan Fashion Week. The fashion week triggered accusations of cultural appropriation and intellectual property violation.

MP Dhananjay Mahadik Calls for Legal Action

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has taken a strong stand against Prada. He wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene and escalate the issue to national and international platforms. “This is a blatant violation of India’s GI (Geographical Indication) norms and the Artisan Act,” Mahadik asserted, urging immediate legal recourse to protect the cultural and economic interests of Kolhapuri chappal artisans.

Mahadik revealed that a Public Interest Litigation is being prepared for submission to the Bombay High Court, while also seeking intervention from Union Minister Piyush Goyal. A team of legal experts is currently examining the case.

Community Outrage Grows in Kolhapur

The backlash intensified as manufacturers and artisans from Kolhapur, home to over 20,000 traditional footwear makers, held emergency meetings and voiced strong opposition. Bhupal Shete of the District Footwear Association confirmed that over 250 shopkeepers and manufacturers participated in protests, demanding legal and governmental intervention.

“They called it leather chappals and priced them at ₹1.2 lakh, without crediting the source. This isn’t fashion, it’s theft,” said Shete. “If brands like Prada want to sell Kolhapuris, they should buy from us directly at fair prices and give artisans their due.”

“Cultural Theft” or Design Inspiration?

Several political figures, including Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati and NCP MLA Rohit Pawar, condemned Prada’s move on social media, labeling it as “cultural theft.” Pawar’s viral post called for strict action, stating, “Prada’s new ₹1 lakh sandal mimics Maharashtra’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappal without credit. If they won’t respect our heritage, the government must act against this #ChappalChor.”

An online post titled “New Age Colonialism Under the Garb of Fashion” gained traction, calling Prada’s omission a “deliberate erasure” of Indian culture and urging global brands to embrace ethical fashion by acknowledging and compensating indigenous artisans.

Preserving India’s Craft Legacy

Kolhapuri chappals, which received a GI tag in 2019, trace their origins back to the 12th century and are handwoven by cobbler communities across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Mahadik emphasized that Prada’s design not only disrespects centuries-old craftsmanship but also endangers the livelihood and dignity of thousands.

In a letter submitted personally by his son Krishnaraj Mahadik and community representatives, Mahadik urged the Maharashtra government to launch awareness campaigns, enforce GI protections internationally, and take firm legal steps to prevent future violations.

As the controversy gains international attention, it reignites the global debate over cultural appropriation, ethical fashion, and the accountability of luxury brands in honoring traditional craftsmanship.