Islamabad, June 24, 2025: Luxury fashion house Prada is facing criticism after debuting Kolhapuri sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 Menswear Show in Milan—without acknowledging the footwear’s South Asian heritage.
Kolhapuris, which date back to 13th-century Maharashtra, India, have long been a staple in desi fashion, widely worn in India and Pakistan, from Mumbai to Lahore. Locally, they’re found in markets like Lahore’s Liberty Market, where artisans still handcraft them using traditional techniques.
The omission of credit sparked an immediate reaction on social media. Users on X (formerly Twitter) accused the brand of cultural appropriation, drawing parallels with past instances where South Asian attire like dupattas, ajrak, and Peshawari chappals were repackaged and rebranded by Western designers without any mention of their origins.
“It’s not about inclusion—it’s about extraction without credit,” one user posted.
Critics argue that Prada’s use of Kolhapuris—most likely in mass-produced form—ignores the legacy of local craftsmen, many of whom struggle economically despite their cultural and artisanal significance. Traditional Kolhapuris are known for their pure tanned leather and hand-stitched detailing, making them a symbol of both heritage and sustainability.
Some voices within the fashion community, however, took a more optimistic view, calling it a moment of pride for South Asian fashion to be recognized on global runways. But even these voices noted that credit must accompany visibility to avoid exploitation.
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This isn’t the first time luxury brands have been called out for appropriating South Asian designs. In past years, Paul Smith, Christian Louboutin, Urban Outfitters, and Zara have all sold traditional South Asian garments like lungis, ajrak, and kurtas without proper cultural attribution.
At its core, the controversy surrounding Prada’s Kolhapuris reinforces a long-standing demand: give credit where it’s due—and empower the artisans behind the designs instead of profiting off their legacy in silence.
