Prada Bows to Sandal Design Scandal and Admits Inspiration from Indian Heritage

A wide controversy erupted in India, involving politicians, deputies, and craftsmen, accusing the global brand Prada of "cultural appropriation" and not attributing the design to its true roots in Indian handicrafts.


The story dates back to the controversial sandal that appeared during the recent Prada fashion show, where models wore an open leather design at the front, characterized by intertwined braids, which many considered a clear imitation of the handmade Kolhapuri sandals, a part of the craft heritage of the city of Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra, western India.

After the media storm, the luxury fashion house Prada succumbed, acknowledging its inspiration from Indian roots.

The incident sparked a wave of criticism in the media, prompting Lorenzo Bertelli, whose parents own Prada, to respond to the sandal scandal in a message to an Indian trade chamber the day before yesterday, admitting that the design was inspired by Indian heritage.

Bertelli, the head of the company's social responsibility at Prada, wrote in the letter addressed to the trade chamber in Maharashtra: "We acknowledge that the sandals are inspired by traditional Indian handmade shoes, which date back centuries."

He wrote that the sandal is still in the early design stage and its marketing is not certain, but Prada is open to "meaningful dialogue with local Indian craftsmen."

Most Indians are financially unable to buy Prada products as the prices of its leather sandals for men start at $844 or more, while the price of a Kolhapuri sole available for sale in Indian stores and markets starts at around $12.

Bertelli's acknowledgment of drawing inspiration from Indian heritage was in response to a complaint from the head of the trade chamber representing 3,000 craftsmen who make Kolhapuri sandals, as the online buzz gained momentum.

In turn, Dilip More, a businessman residing in Kolhapur, said that the images of the Prada sandal bring joy to some craftsmen, as they show that their traditional product has reached global recognition.