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Prada finally admits 'leather sandals' are Kolhapuri 'chappal'
The acknowledgment comes in response to the protest registered by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Sun, 29, Jun 2025
- 21:50 EDT
- 25
Representative image / Wikimedia commons
The Italian fashion brand, Prada, has accepted that the slippers it presented during a recent men's fashion show were indeed 'Kolhapuri chappal'.
The controversy was created after the luxury fashion house known for innovative designs and high-end craftsmanship, described footwear seemingly identical to Kolhapuri chappal as "leather sandals" without crediting their cultural origin. The footwear was presented as part of Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s collection, showcased at Milan Fashion Week on June 23.
Against this, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MMCIA) had written to Prada's director in Italy, Petrizzo Bertelli.
Bertelli responded positively to this demand and declared that the slippers in question were Kolhapuri slippers, informed Maharashtra Chamber President Lalit Gandhi on June 27.
Prada Group Corporate Social Responsibility Head Lorenzo Bertelli has written to the Maharashtra Chamber after MMMCIA registered its protests.
As per the MMCIA website, Gandhi had stated that Prada is selling slippers like Kolhapuri for more than one lakh rupees, while Indian artisans make the same slippers for 400 rupees. In this regard, there was displeasure among the artisans who make slippers in Kolhapur. Some artisans in the state had requested the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to pay attention to this matter. Knowing the identity of Kolhapuri slippers, which are known in the state and the world.
As per media reports, Bertelli said in his letter, "We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities."
He further added, "We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams."
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