The internet is flooded with images of Prada Group models hitting the runway in Kolhapuri chappals at the Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s show in Milan. Kolhapuri sandals are prominent in the Indian culture, but the brand failed to credit its origin in the show.
Despite their clear design inspiration, Prada labelled them simply as “leather flat sandals.” Kolhapuri chappals represent a centuries-old Indian craftsmanship tradition. Online netizens are calling it a cultural theft. These Desi Chappal have Videshi prices; the brand has priced these sandals at ₹1.16 lakh, whereas the Indian ones are sold at ₹300–1,500, which is a striking price gap.
This is not the first time that international brands have drawn inspiration from Indian culture while failing to give proper credit. The “Scandinavian Scarf”, essentially a dupatta, and the “Y2K Maxi Skirts”, essentially a lehenga choli, are some of the examples. It is disheartening that these global brands barely acknowledge the Indian artisanships.
