Luxury fashion brand Prada has upset many Indians after launching sandals that look very similar to the traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. These sandals, deeply rooted in Indian culture, have been worn for centuries and are known for their handmade leather design and cultural value. However, Prada released a version of the sandals at a very high price, without giving any credit to their Indian origin.
Many people in India felt disrespected and accused the brand of copying a traditional design and selling it as a new fashion item. Social media was filled with comments from people who were angry that a foreign company was taking something so traditional and turning it into a product for profit, without mentioning the history behind it.
Kolhapuri chappals are made by skilled craftsmen, often passed down from generation to generation. For many, seeing a big fashion label use the design without recognition felt like cultural disrespect. People also pointed out that local artisans earn very little for their hard work, while big brands make large profits.
This incident has started a bigger conversation about respecting cultural heritage and giving proper credit. Many hope this brings attention to the original makers and encourages support for traditional crafts and local artists.