Prada Responds to Question about Commercialization of Kolhapuri Sandal Model
02.07.2025 1682

Prada Responds to Question about Commercialization of Kolhapuri Sandal Model

Prada's spring/summer '26 collection featured a shoe silhouette reminiscent of the traditional Indian chappal sandal, the Kolhapuri. The head of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture wrote to Prada, expressing concerns that the design had been commercialised without acknowledging the craftsmen who had preserved its heritage for generations.

In response to the request, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's head of corporate social responsibility, said the sandals were "in the early stages of design" and that the company was open to "a dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisans." Further meetings are planned.

The sandals, colloquially known as "toe ring sandals," made their way into Prada's collection without fanfare. At Prada's spring/summer '26 show in Milan, models wore them with black socks or barefoot, paired with tunics and raffia hats.

Attentive viewers immediately noted the similarity of the sandals with traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Bloggers picked up the news.

Kolhapuri chappals, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, have been made over generations in eight districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka in India. They are typically made from sun-dried buffalo leather and are hand-stitched without the use of synthetic materials or glue. Depending on the complexity, a pair can take up to two weeks to make.

Marina Shumilina

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Prada's spring/summer '26 collection featured a shoe silhouette reminiscent of the traditional Indian chappals, the Kolhapuri. The head of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture…
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