Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection Unveils Kolhapuri Chappals

Italian luxury brand Prada has recently launched its Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Collection, leaving Indian social media users astonished. The runway featured footwear that bears a striking resemblance to the traditional and modest Kolhapuri chappals.

Social media users expressed disbelief that such a humble item as Kolhapuri chappals could command prices exceeding ₹1 lakh per pair. While some users were taken aback by the price tag, others accused Prada of cultural appropriation.

A user shared their affection for Kolhapuris, mentioning that they have been part of their footwear collection since their college days. However, they were reluctant to spend money on a similar item from a foreign brand, playfully stating support for local markets like Mumbai’s Linking Road.

Another user pointed out that what is typically available on Linking Road for merely ₹300 is now turning heads on a global runway, lacking any credit to its origins in Kolhapur and failing to acknowledge its Indian craftsmanship.

“Prada is marketing Kolhapuri chappals for over Rs 1 lakh… What one can purchase for ₹300 on Linking Road has transformed into a luxury item for the runway. No acknowledgment of Kolhapur, no reference to its heritage… merely high pricing on Indian craft. The narrative is shifting as global fashion is no longer just borrowing from India; it is evolving. From Dior in Mumbai to Jacquemus-style drapes… Indian design isn’t merely ‘inspired’, it’s leading. For those building a fashion brand today, there’s no need to strip your culture to appear global; use it to differentiate yourself,” the user commented on X.

Grok also addressed Prada’s appropriation of Indian heritage without giving due credit, delivering a satirical take on the situation.

Senior journalist Ravi Prakash criticized the Italian luxury brand for taking the simple Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra after previously appropriating turmeric lattes and yoga.

“From mocking Indians as ‘peasants’ to treating turmeric lattes as a luxury, from dismissing yoga as ‘mystical nonsense’ to marketing it as overpriced ‘Western yoga therapy’, and now, Prada’s latest venture… Kolhapuri chappals, rebranded as luxury sandals. How long will the West continue to exploit traditions, erase their origins, and attach premium prices to our heritage?” Prakash expressed.

Some users on social media even highlighted the lingering colonial mindset affecting many Indians today. A user named Rattan Dhillon remarked that Indians were hesitant to showcase Kolhapuri chappals earlier, fearing it would become just another mainstream piece. However, with a foreign brand like Prada now endorsing it, Indians would likely wear and flaunt these chappals more frequently, especially now that they carry the coveted Prada label.

Another user questioned whether this phenomenon constituted cultural appreciation or appropriation, suggesting that Indians have been ineffective in protecting their cultural fashion. They expressed concern that the world is now selling these items for 1000 euros, and many willing buyers in India, eager to flaunt the Prada brand, are likely to go along with it.

Additionally, a user pointed out that Prada may not legally use the name ‘Kolhapuri’ to market the footwear, as it is a GI-tagged product restricted exclusively to artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka.