So, that’s what went down: Prada recently demonstrated the Spring Men’s Collection of 2026, and in one particular work there were Indian observers who did double taking, sandals that looked too familiar. Yes, they were very reminiscent of Kolhapuri Chappals, the iconic handmade handmade skin from Maharashtra. But instead of possessing a source of inspiration, Sale accidentally called them simply “leather sandals” in their notes. Naturally, it wasn’t good with a lot of people.
Lalith Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra, Industry, Industry and Agriculture, was one of the first to summon the brand. He also reminded them of the world that Kalhapuris is not just old sandals. They have been carrying cultural and artisanal weight and even have GI (geographical indication) since 2019.Fast a few days forward, and the sales seem to have received a message. Lorenzo Berteli, who heads CSR in the Prada group, sent Gandhi a letter, recognizing “inspiration” for sandals. He acknowledged that the design really influenced the traditional Indian hand shoes, which, as he put it, “a long heritage”. (It took them long enough?)Berteli also specified that the collection is still in the early design stage and has not yet entered the production and sale. He added that Sale respects Indian skills and wants to study ways to cooperate more closely with local artisans in the future.Although it is good that the sale finally recognized the roots of the design, the big point of Gandhi is still standing: cultural exchange in fashion is great, but it should come with a proper merit and cooperation. It is not enough to just “borrow” about where everything comes from and to support people who have preserved these traditions alive.If this leads to the fact that large brands are actually raising traditional crafts, not just recharge them, it can be a step in the right direction for the fashion industry.
