The sandals shown at Milan Men's Fashion Week sparked controversy for resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra, India. Critics pointed out that Kolhapuri sandals boast a history and intricate craftsmanship dating back to the 12th century, contrasting with the high price of luxury fashion models. Following backlash, Prada's Lorenzo Bertelli acknowledged the inspiration drawn from Indian heritage and emphasized the brand's commitment to responsible design practices and cultural engagement with local artisans, stating that the sandals are still in the early design stages and may not enter the market.
The handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals date back to the 12th century and feature intricate interwoven patterns, capturing an important aspect of Indian cultural heritage.
Prada's head of corporate social responsibility acknowledged the sandals were inspired by Indian footwear and emphasized the need for cultural engagement and recognition.
Collection
[
|
...
]