A pair of Prada sandals priced at over ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200) has sparked a heated debate in India—not for their design or branding, but for their uncanny resemblance to traditional Indian footwear known as kolhapuris. The luxury fashion house’s latest release has drawn backlash from Indian artisans and cultural commentators, who accuse the brand of cultural appropriation and price hypocrisy.

The sandals in question, simple, flat-soled leather footwear with a toe strap, are nearly indistinguishable from the handcrafted kolhapuris made by Indian cobblers for generations. What makes the controversy burn brighter is the staggering price tag attached to a design that artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka typically sell for ₹300–₹800.

"Do they have gold in them?" asked one artisan sarcastically in a viral video, highlighting the irony of a design rooted in humble traditions being commercialized at exorbitant rates abroad. Many craftspeople feel exploited, as their centuries-old designs are repackaged without acknowledgment, let alone compensation or collaboration.

Kolhapuri chappals have a rich heritage dating back over 800 years. They are traditionally made using vegetable-tanned leather and intricate handwork, a painstaking process often passed down through generations. Despite their historical and cultural significance, the artisans behind them struggle with dwindling incomes and limited access to international markets.

Prada has not issued an official comment on the controversy. However, this isn’t the first time global luxury brands have been accused of cultural appropriation. In recent years, designers have drawn criticism for borrowing from indigenous and ethnic cultures without credit or profit-sharing mechanisms.

Indian social media has erupted in reaction. While some users joke about the audacity of the price, others raise more serious concerns about the erasure of cultural context and the undervaluing of local craftsmanship. Some have called on the Indian government and fashion industry leaders to do more to protect and promote traditional artisan communities through Geographical Indication (GI) tags and global outreach.

Meanwhile, the incident has ironically boosted visibility for authentic kolhapuris, with many users sharing local vendor recommendations and urging buyers to “shop original.” Artisan cooperatives in Kolhapur have reported a slight increase in interest as consumers seek genuine alternatives that support local livelihoods. The Prada sandal debate is more than a footwear faux pas; it reflects broader tensions around cultural ownership, fair trade, and the long-overdue recognition of traditional craftsmanship in the global fashion economy.