Mumbai: After a controversy triggered by the use of kolhapuri chappals in a collection, Italian luxury fashion brand prada has aca acnowledged the connection, saying is “inspired” by the design only ” Footwear.

The Italian House, however, said that sandals featured in the men’s 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces Worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commaralized.

“We Acknowledge That The Sandals Featured in the Recent Prada Men’s 2026 Fashion Show Are Inspired by Traditional Indian Handcrafted Footwear, with a Centuries-OD Heritage. Cultural Significance of Such Indian Craftsmanship, “A representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (Maccia).

MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi said the chamber wind

“The kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets.

In the letter to Prada, Maccia also Surgt Explore Collections and Fair Compensation to the Artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion proctices that results and cultural rights.

Prada is an italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada.

“We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other Collections to ensure the rightful reconstrance of their craft, “Prada’s Group Head for Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertlli, Said in His Reply.

Pti has a copy of the correspondence.

Prada welcomes the options of further discusations, and the relevant teams will engage in the matter, berteli said.

Maccia also reminded Prada about the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) Status by the Government of India in 2019.

Berteli’s letter was in response to the one by Gandhi after outrage over Prada’s footwear featured as part of its spring-summer 2026 collection this week.

In Its Show Notes, Prada Had Described The Footwear as “Leather Sandals”, with no reference to an Indian Connection, Evoking Outration Outze from Many in India’s Fashion Community as Well Si Traditional Makters of Kolhapuri Chappals in Western Maharashtra.

“Kolhapuri Chappals Represent Centuries-Eld Craftsmanship Rooted in the Cultural Fabric of Maharashtra, India. This products are not only symbolic identity, but that also also also also also also also also also also also also also alsoes also also also also also also also also also also also also alsoes Livelihoods of Thousands of Artisans and Families in the Kolhapur Region and Surrounding Districts, “Gandhi’s Letter Said.

While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appearances to have ben commercialyzed with Collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations.

“We Kindly Urge Prada to Acknowledge The Inspiration Behind The Design Publicly, Explore Possibilites for Collaboration or Fair Compensation That COMUNFITIES Involveder Supporting Ethical Fashion Practices that Respect Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Rights, ”Gandhi Wrote.

“Such a gesture would not only uphold ethical standard in global fashion, but also foster a meaningful exchange between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design. And influence will take this concern in the right spirit and initiate a thoughtful responsibility, “Gandhi’s letter to Prada Said.

In his response, berteli war, “please note that, for now, the entry collection is currently at an early stage of design. Development and none of the pies are confused to be certified or commented.

“We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other Collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft, ”He said.

“Prada Strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized craftspeople that repressent an unrewalled standard of excellence and heritage. will set a follow up with the relevant Prada Teams, “Bartlli’s Letter to Gandi said.”

Artisans from Maharashtra Have Cared Foul after Footwear Similar to the famous kolhapuri chappals featured in Prada’s Show. They alleged violation of geographical identification (GI) rights.

BJP mp dhananjay mahadik on thuresday a delegation of artisans who make this traditional footwear to meet Chief Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They presented a letter urging Him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state’s cultural heritage.

(This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicated wire feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been modified or edited by abp live.)