Prada’s $930 ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuri Sandals Spark Debate and a Cultural Conversation

Luxury fashion often walks a fine line between appreciation and appropriation. This week, Italian fashion powerhouse Prada learned just how sensitive that line can be. After facing strong backlash online for releasing a pair of Kolhapuri-inspired sandals priced at $930, the brand has announced that the design will now be produced in India—the birthplace of the traditional Kolhapuri chappal.

The move has triggered intense global discussion, raising questions about cultural credit, pricing ethics, and the role of traditional crafts in modern luxury markets. While some applaud Prada for responding to criticism, others argue that this step does not fully address the deeper issues at play.

A Traditional Craft Meets High Fashion

Kolhapuri chappals are handmade leather sandals originating from Maharashtra, India. Known for their durability, craftsmanship, and cultural significance, these sandals have been worn for centuries. Skilled artisans spend hours cutting, stitching, and finishing each pair by hand, often using techniques passed down through generations.

Because of this deep heritage, many people felt discomfort when Prada originally launched a sandal that clearly resembled a Kolhapuri chappal—but priced it far beyond the reach of the communities that created the style.

Critics argued that Prada benefitted from Indian craft traditions without giving proper recognition, fair compensation, or sourcing credit to the artisans who shaped the design.

Social Media Backlash Drives Change

The backlash began shortly after the product images went live on Prada’s global website. Users from India and the South Asian diaspora quickly pointed out the similarities between the Prada sandal and the classic Kolhapuri chappal. Many questioned why the design was being presented as a luxury innovation rather than as a reinterpretation of a traditional craft.

The hashtag #Kolhapuri began trending, and influencers, fashion commentators, and even some celebrities entered the conversation. The sentiment was clear: global brands should not profit off indigenous designs without respect for their origins.

This criticism ultimately pushed Prada to revise its strategy. The company announced that the sandals would now be produced in India in collaboration with local craftsmanship hubs. The brand said this shift would ensure greater authenticity and “pay tribute to the artisans who inspired the design.”

Will This Help Indian Artisans?

Many people welcomed Prada’s decision to manufacture the sandals in India, seeing it as a positive step toward recognizing traditional crafts. If executed responsibly, this collaboration could create new opportunities for artisans, boost local employment, and give global visibility to Indian craftsmanship.

However, experts caution that transparency is key. It remains unclear how many artisans will be involved, what wages they will receive, and whether Prada plans to give long-term support to artisan communities or simply address the immediate backlash.

Indian artisans often struggle against mass-produced fast fashion, limited government support, and declining interest among younger generations. A sustained partnership with a global brand like Prada could provide economic stability—if handled ethically.

The Larger Question: Cultural Appreciation or Commercialization?

This controversy has also revived a broader debate about how luxury brands borrow from global cultures. When a multinational fashion house sells a traditional design at a premium price, it raises questions such as:

Who benefits financially from this reinterpretation?

Is the cultural origin acknowledged and respected?

Are the communities behind the design included in the value chain?


For many critics, the issue is not that Prada was inspired by Kolhapuri sandals—fashion constantly draws from history and culture. The issue is whether the brand initially failed to credit its inspiration appropriately and whether the pricing excluded the very communities who built the tradition.

By moving production to India, Prada appears to be attempting to correct course. But the long-term impact of this decision will be closely observed.

Luxury Consumers and the Push Toward Ethical Fashion

In recent years, luxury shoppers have become increasingly aware of where their products come from and how they are made. Transparency, sustainability, and cultural respect have become major expectations.

Brands like Prada face pressure not only to create beautiful products but also to demonstrate social responsibility. The Kolhapuri sandal controversy highlights how quickly public opinion can shift—and how essential cultural sensitivity has become in global fashion.

If Prada successfully collaborates with Indian artisans and gives them fair recognition and compensation, the move could set a new industry standard. But if the partnership is superficial, it risks being dismissed as a marketing tactic.

A Moment That Could Redefine Fashion Relationships

Prada’s decision to launch $930 ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuris is more than a product update—it is a defining moment in the conversation about culture, luxury, and fairness. The incident proves that traditional crafts still hold global appeal, and that their value extends far beyond trend cycles.

Whether this becomes a meaningful bridge between Indian artisans and global luxury markets depends entirely on what Prada does next.