Prada has faced accusations of cultural appropriation after showcasing Kolhapuri sandals at Milan Fashion Week without acknowledging their Indian heritage. Harish Kurade, a local artisan, expressed excitement about the global attention on Kolhapuri sandals, yet many artisans feel exploited. The Italian brand later admitted its inspiration from traditional Indian footwear in a communication to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, but did not mention this in its Milan show notes. Concerns regarding cultural appropriation and the impact on local artisans persist amidst this controversy.
Harish Kurade expressed pride in Kolhapuri sandals gaining attention but also highlighted the concern, stating, 'They [Prada] stole and replicated our crafty work, but we are really happy.'
After backlash, Prada acknowledged the inspiration from traditional Indian handcrafted footwear and recognized its centuries-old heritage in a letter to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce.
The controversy emerged during Milan Fashion Week when models showcased a new line of sandals designed by Prada without crediting their Kolhapuri origins.
Artisans and politicians in India are wary of cultural appropriation and financial exploitation, raising the question of who benefits from the global exposure of Kolhapuri craftsmanship.
Collection
[
|
...
]