KLIK SAJA – A recent controversy involving Italian luxury label Prada has reignited debate over how global fashion giants engage with India and its rich, yet often under-credited, artistic heritage.
The world-renowned brand has come under fire in India for allegedly "stealing" the design of a traditional sandal.
In June, Prada faced backlash after models on its Milan runway showcased a toe-braided sandal that closely resembled the Kolhapuri chappal—a handcrafted leather sandal native to India.
Named after Kolhapur, a city in the western state of Maharashtra where these sandals have been made for centuries, the footwear was featured in Prada’s collection without any mention of its origins, sparking outrage.
As criticism mounted, Prada released a statement acknowledging the sandals' origins and expressing its willingness to engage in “meaningful dialogue” with Indian artisans.
In the days that followed, a Prada team reportedly visited artisans and shopkeepers in Kolhapur to better understand the craftsmanship behind the sandals.
The brand also hinted at the possibility of future collaborations with local Kolhapuri sandal makers.
While it remains unclear what form this collaboration might take, it marks a rare case where a global fashion house has admitted to failing to credit the traditional artistry that inspired its designs.
Major fashion brands have long been accused of drawing inspiration from India—and broader South Asian traditions—without proper acknowledgment, often in a bid to stay fresh and relevant.
Earlier this year, spring collections from Reformation and H&M triggered heated debates about cultural appropriation.
Many critics pointed out that their outfits were heavily influenced by South Asian attire.
While H&M denied the accusations, Reformation clarified that its design was inspired by clothing owned by a model who collaborated on the collection.
Just two weeks ago, Dior came under similar fire after its much-anticipated Paris collection featured a gold and ivory houndstooth coat reportedly adorned with mukaish work—a centuries-old metallic embroidery technique from northern India.
Yet, the collection made no reference to the craft’s Indian origins.