Prada recently faced backlash over its new footwear line, paralleling traditional Kolhapuri sandals, leading to a public acknowledgment of the design's Indian roots.
Prada Admits Indian Heritage in Controversial Sandal Design
Prada Admits Indian Heritage in Controversial Sandal Design
Luxury Brand Responds to Cultural Appropriation Accusations
In a swift response to widespread criticism, the Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has recognized the Indian heritage of its new sandal collection. The sandals, paraded at Milan Fashion Week, featured a striking open-toe braided style resembling the traditional Kolhapuri sandals from Maharashtra and Karnataka in India. Despite Prada initially labeling the product merely as "leather footwear," the lack of credit given to its origins prompted accusations of cultural appropriation.
Following the uproar, a Prada spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that the company acknowledges the inspiration drawn from India's footwear traditions. The brand reiterated its commitment to celebrating craftsmanship and heritage, stating it is in discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture regarding the issue. This response came after the trade organization communicated concerns over the commercialization of the design without recognizing the artisans responsible for creating it.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's head of Corporate Social Responsibility, remarked that the sandals were still in early design stages and emphasized the brand's openness to engaging with Indian artisans on future collaborations. Kolhapuri sandals, recognized for their durability and an essential feature in India’s hot climate, have a history dating back to the 12th Century and were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, a mark of authenticity that denotes their regional origin.
The controversy has resonated with local artisans, many of whom expressed disappointment over the appropriation of their cultural heritage. Prabha Satpute, a Kolhapuri artisan, conveyed their concerns, stating, "These sandals are made with the hard work of leather workers in Kolhapur. They should be named after Kolhapur. Don't take advantage of others' labour." While Kolhapuri sandals are sold for a few hundred rupees in India, Prada's upscale pricing has sparked anger among the local community, particularly as artisan profits remain low.
Industrialist Harsh Goenka responded to arguments about the disparity by highlighting that while global brands profit from India's culture, local artisans struggle to make ends meet. This incident is not isolated; major brands have faced similar allegations in the past, such as Gucci's misidentification of a sari as a gown during the Cannes Film Festival.
Nevertheless, the recent attention on Kolhapuri craftsmanship has provided a sense of pride for some artisans. Kolhapur-based businessman Dileep More indicated hope amid the controversy, noting that "artisans are happy that someone is recognizing their work."
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Prada will navigate the complexities of honoring the true roots of the designs they present globally.
Following the uproar, a Prada spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that the company acknowledges the inspiration drawn from India's footwear traditions. The brand reiterated its commitment to celebrating craftsmanship and heritage, stating it is in discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture regarding the issue. This response came after the trade organization communicated concerns over the commercialization of the design without recognizing the artisans responsible for creating it.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's head of Corporate Social Responsibility, remarked that the sandals were still in early design stages and emphasized the brand's openness to engaging with Indian artisans on future collaborations. Kolhapuri sandals, recognized for their durability and an essential feature in India’s hot climate, have a history dating back to the 12th Century and were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, a mark of authenticity that denotes their regional origin.
The controversy has resonated with local artisans, many of whom expressed disappointment over the appropriation of their cultural heritage. Prabha Satpute, a Kolhapuri artisan, conveyed their concerns, stating, "These sandals are made with the hard work of leather workers in Kolhapur. They should be named after Kolhapur. Don't take advantage of others' labour." While Kolhapuri sandals are sold for a few hundred rupees in India, Prada's upscale pricing has sparked anger among the local community, particularly as artisan profits remain low.
Industrialist Harsh Goenka responded to arguments about the disparity by highlighting that while global brands profit from India's culture, local artisans struggle to make ends meet. This incident is not isolated; major brands have faced similar allegations in the past, such as Gucci's misidentification of a sari as a gown during the Cannes Film Festival.
Nevertheless, the recent attention on Kolhapuri craftsmanship has provided a sense of pride for some artisans. Kolhapur-based businessman Dileep More indicated hope amid the controversy, noting that "artisans are happy that someone is recognizing their work."
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Prada will navigate the complexities of honoring the true roots of the designs they present globally.
