Fashion
Prada’s ₹1.2 Lakh Kolhapuri Sandals Spark Cultural Theft Debate
Mumbai, India, June 26, 2025 – Prada’s new sandals, priced at ₹1.2 lakh, look just like India’s Kolhapuri chappals, but the luxury brand gave no credit to their origins. The move has reignited talk of Western fashion taking Indian designs without respect. Here’s what’s happening.
The Controversy
Prada’s sandals raised eyebrows:
- Shown at Milan Fashion Week, they mimic Kolhapuri chappals’ tan leather and straps.
- They cost ₹1.2 lakh, while local artisans sell them for ₹300–1,500.
- An artisan said, “We make these by hand, but Prada gets the praise.”
The gap feels unfair.
A Long History
This isn’t new:
- Western brands have used Indian designs like paisley and embroidery for years.
- Often, they call them “exotic” without naming India’s artisans.
- An X post read, “Our crafts become luxury only when the West sells them.”
The pattern goes back centuries.
Why It Hurts
The numbers tell a story:
- Indian weavers earn less today than 20 years ago.
- Global markets profit billions from ethnic designs.
- A historian noted, “When brands copy, artisans lose their livelihood.”
The impact hits hard.
India’s Fight
People are pushing back:
- Lawsuits and campaigns demand credit for Indian crafts.
- Social media calls out brands for taking without giving back.
- An X user wrote, “Name our designs, or don’t use them.”
Efforts aim to protect heritage.
What’s Next
Change is in focus:
- India wants stronger rules to guard traditional designs.
- Artisans hope for fair pay and recognition.
- A local said, “Our work deserves respect, not just a logo.”
The debate is growing louder.
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