BJP MP Slams Prada For Using Kolhapuri Chappals Without Credit. We Agree!

A political controversy is brewing following Prada featuring what looked like Kolhapuri chappals during its recent fashion show!

A political controversy is brewing following luxury fashion house Prada featuring what looked like Kolhapuri chappals during its recent fashion show, without giving credit to the Indian craftsmanship. BJP Rajya Sabha member Dhananjay Mahadik has now entered the scene, asking Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to act quickly to safeguard the cultural and legal rights associated with this iconic Indian footwear.

BJP MP Slams Prada Kolhapuri Chappals

The controversy started at Prada’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan when a few models strutted the runway wearing leather sandals that seemed eerily similar to Kolhapuri chappals, traditional Indian footwear. While the shoes became the talk of the international fashion world, what did not seem to find its way anywhere was a reference to its origin in India.

Mahadik was gravely concerned, averring that the decision ignores India’s Geographical Indication (GI) laws and goes against artisans’ rights who’ve maintained this tradition for centuries. In a formal letter to Fadnavis, Mahadik pointed out that Kolhapuri chappals had been granted GI status in 2019 and are not mere fashion accessories, they are a cultural heritage dating back to the 12th century.

“More than just shoes, these chappals are a lifeline for tens of thousands of professional artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka,” Mahadik was quoted as saying. “Not only is it unfair, it’s a theft of their intellectual property.” The matter was taken seriously, with the letter being hand-delivered to the Deputy CM by Mahadik’s son Krishnaraj. The MP also demanded awareness campaigns for the public and legal action to prevent such infractions from recurring.

Also Read: Kolhapuri Chappals Take The Global Stage In Prada’s Latest Menswear Line. Know Its Price Here!

At the center of the controversy is a shoe that’s immediately familiar to Indians: flat, tan leather, ringed toe straps, quintessential Kolhapuri. Prada even sent out fashion show invitations with a leather ring, a symbol that represents the chappal’s distinctive flair.

Also Read: #TuesdayShoesday: 10 Kolhapuri Chappals That Will Replace Your Sandals

First Published: June 27, 2025 2:00 PM