Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection has sparked international debate, drawing criticism from Indian artisans for featuring a sandal design closely resembling traditional Kolhapuri footwear, handcrafted in the Indian state of Maharashtra. After images from the Milan presentation circulated online and triggered backlash on social media, the Italian brand took a step back, acknowledging the cultural roots of its inspiration. Now, Prada is seeking to rebuild the relationship by initiating official contact with representatives of Indian artisans for a potential collaboration.
Prada’s attempt at reconciliation
The presentation of open-toe sandals evoking the style of Kolhapuris — dating back to the 12th century — prompted a wave of protest in India. Local artisans, politicians, and social media users accused Prada of cultural appropriation, highlighting the lack of acknowledgement for Indian tradition. The controversy, however, brought about an unexpected result: media attention led to a surge in sales of original Kolhapuri sandals, offering unprecedented visibility to local craftspeople. In response to the criticism, Prada publicly recognised the influence of Indian craftsmanship in its design and opened formal talks with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents around 3,000 artisan producers.
The idea of a ‘Made in India’ collection
During a online meeting held on Friday — attended by Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, and head of sustainability at the group — Prada expressed its intention to establish a meaningful collaboration with Indian artisans. As reported by Reuters, the goal is to develop a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by the Kolhapuri style, but entirely produced in India. The next step will involve a direct meeting between Prada’s supply chain team and local manufacturers to discuss operational details. For Prada, this represents an opportunity to realign with a more inclusive narrative, while for Indian artisans it could mark a breakthrough moment of global recognition and value.
Photo: Prada
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