Prada Sells ‘Kolhapuri Sandals’ For Nearly ₹1 Lakh; Indians Call Out Culture Appropriation

It’s almost become a habit now. Western luxury brands keep taking Indian items, rebranding them, and selling them at jaw-dropping prices. The latest addition to this list is Prada. The Italian luxury label is now selling ‘Kolhapuri sandals’, yes, the same good old traditional Indian ‘chappals’, for around ₹1,00,000. And like always, Indians have flooded their social media post, calling out the brand for copying and rebranding Indian designs. 

Prada’s ‘Spring/Summer 2026’ Show Sparks Outrage Over Kolhapuri Sandals

 

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Prada has come under fire for showcasing what looks like ‘Kolhapuri chappals’ during its Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan. Priced at a whopping £1,000 (₹99,759 approx.), these sandals were paired with straight-cut linen trousers and relaxed tops on the runway.

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The sandals have a striking resemblance to the traditional ‘Kolhapuri chappals’ worn across India for generations. While women usually pair them with kurtis and salwar suits, men wear them with dhotis or other traditional outfits. Yet, Prada seems to have rebranded the design without credit, targeting it at Western audiences as something new, comfortable and luxurious. 

Indians React On Social Media

It did not take long for Indians to flood Prada’s Instagram post with comments. One user simply wrote, “It’s Kolhapuri chappals. Stop copying us and renaming everything we have created”. While another said, “If you don’t credit the place or culture it came from, it’s not ‘inspiration’ anymore, it’s just copying.” Many others accused the brand of copying the design without giving credit to India.  Some even called it straight cultural appropriation.

While Prada’s version costs nearly ₹1 lakh, the original Kolhapuri chappals can be bought for as little as ₹250 in local Indian markets. That massive gap in pricing, without giving credit to India, has made netizens furious on the internet. 

Also Read: This Kolhapuri Anda Curry Recipe By Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Is Perfect For Some Weekend Indulgence

And, this is not the first time luxury brands have copied Indian designs. From saree drape dresses to other footwear, many brands have rebranded traditional wear and sold it at high-end prices. Some people may say the design “looks familiar”, but social media users are saying it’s not just familiar, it’s the same. 

So, what do you think of these new Prada ‘Kolhapuri Sandals’? Let us know. 

Cover Image Courtesy: @prada/ Instagram