Maharashtra Demands Copy Right Credit as Prada Copies GI-Tagged Footwear.

An escalating controversy surrounds Italian luxury house Prada following its presentation of sandals strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals in its Men’s Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week.

The dispute, which is trending to be a significant issue in Maharashtra, centres on Prada marketing the design for 1.2 lakh rupees without acknowledging its Indian origin, the artisans, or its deep cultural significance.

The Kolhapuri chappal, was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019 with due recognition to its unique regional heritage, is at the heart of the outcry. Yuvraj Sambhaji Chhatrapati of Kolhapur, descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj, has strongly condemned Prada. “Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj granted royal patronage to Kolhapur’s craftsmen, catalysing this footwear tradition. The Kolhapuri chappal embodies generations of craftsmanship, community livelihoods, and cultural identity. Copying the design, concealing its provenance, and marketing it under a global luxury label is daylight robbery of our shared legacy“, stated the former Rajya Sabha member.

The issue gained further political traction as BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, representing Kolhapur, wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging protection for the Kolhapuri chappal brand. “We have no objection to an overseas brand using our design; we only demand they be sold as ‘Kolhapuri chappals’“, Mahadik clarified, adding he is contemplating filing a Public Interest Litigation in the Bombay High Court.

Chhatrapati emphasised the ethical lapse: “Had Prada ethically sourced and credited Kolhapur artists, we would have celebrated their role in amplifying authentic Indian heritage. Instead, their silence has sparked widespread outcry”. He called on Prada to formally acknowledge the footwear’s origin, credit Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj’s patronage, and establish fair licensing or design collaborations with Kolhapur’s artisans and cooperatives to ensure recognition and royalties.

Criticism extended beyond political circles. The Dalit Voice social media account labelled the act “pure cultural theft”, noting the design originates from the Chamar community.

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka highlighted the stark disparity: “Prada sells look alikes for over 1 lakh rupees, while our artisans handcraft the originals for 400 rupees. Artisans lose while global brands cash in on our culture. Sad!”

Chhatrapati concluded by urging government action against unlawful appropriation of traditional crafts and consumer solidarity with artisans: “Fashion must be inclusive, not extractive. When authentic Indian products enter the global market, their genuine identity must travel with them“.

After a series of hot debates and outcry & outrage, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has admitted that its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear line includes footwear inspired by Kolhapuri chappals. The statement comes amid growing criticism in India over the brand’s use of the traditional design without acknowledging its roots. “Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear featured in our Milan show”, the luxury fashion brand has affirmed.

Team Maverick