Global fashion house Prada has come under fire after unveiling a pair of luxury sandals that closely resemble traditional Indian kolhapuris — priced at a staggering $1,200. The design, virtually identical to the handcrafted leather footwear worn across South Asia for generations, has drawn accusations of cultural appropriation and tone-deaf marketing from designers and consumers alike.
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While Prada labelled the sandals as “luxury leather slip-ons,” social media users quickly pointed out their striking resemblance to kolhapuris, which are widely available in Indian markets for under $10. Critics blasted the brand for rebranding a centuries-old South Asian design without acknowledgement or credit, all while selling it at an exorbitant price point inaccessible to the very communities that inspired it.
Colonial Echoes in Couture?: “This is not just appropriation — it’s a modern echo of colonial exploitation dressed up as fashion,” said Meera Sethi, a Canadian artist and cultural commentator. “Prada is profiting from a culture it neither represents nor uplifts. There’s no credit to Indian artisans, no investment in the communities that made kolhapuris iconic — just markup and marketing.”
The scandal has triggered a wave of reflection in South Asian fashion circles, prompting renewed support for local designers and indigenous craftspeople. Indian and Pakistani footwear brands have responded with pride campaigns highlighting their authentic craftsmanship, historical roots, and ethical pricing.
Desi Designers Hit Back: Independent labels across India — such as Jaypore, Fizzy Goblet, and Chappers — have used the controversy as an opportunity to reintroduce younger audiences to heritage footwear made by local artisans.
“It’s ironic. Prada might have given us a viral moment, but it’s the original makers who deserve the spotlight,” said Aditi Sharma, creative director of a Mumbai-based brand reviving traditional footwear.
Even consumers in the West are beginning to question the ethics of luxury fashion houses that plunder cultural symbols for profit, without investing in fair trade or representation. Online calls for boycotts and demands for acknowledgment have snowballed into a broader conversation about fashion imperialism and the commodification of non-Western cultures.
A Missed Opportunity: Rather than collaborating with South Asian artisans or platforms that support ethical fashion, Prada opted for profit over partnership — a move critics say reflects a wider industry problem.
“Luxury fashion is still playing by outdated rules — take, rename, resell,” said a senior editor at a fashion ethics journal. “It’s 2025, and brands like Prada still can’t read the room.”
As the backlash intensifies, consumers and cultural watchdogs are calling for accountability — not just from Prada, but from the entire luxury industry that continues to capitalize on global heritage without consent or credit.
