👣 From Kolhapur to the Catwalk: How a Humble Chappal 👡 Challenged a Fashion Giant 👔🌍

telishital14
Jul 9
3 min read

In the age of high fashion and global runways, a humble leather sandal from the heart of Maharashtra is making global headlines. Yes, we're talking about the iconic Kolhapuri Chappal—a symbol of Indian heritage, artistry, and endurance that dates back over 800 years. 👞✨

Though these handcrafted sandals secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, it wasn’t until Prada’s recent menswear showcase in 2025 that Kolhapuri chappals stormed into international fashion discourse—this time, not for their design excellence, but because of a cultural storm brewing over appropriation without acknowledgment.

🧵 Prada’s Silent Homage—or Cultural Oversight?

At the center of the controversy is Italian luxury fashion house Prada, which unveiled a line of sandals that bear a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals. Yet, not once did the brand acknowledge the inspiration behind these designs. No mention of Kolhapur. No nod to India. No recognition of the generations of artisans who’ve preserved this craft through war, colonization, and industrial revolutions. ❌🎭

The fashion world was quick to notice—and so was the Internet.

What followed was a digital uproar. Activists, historians, fashion critics, and social media users united to accuse Prada of cultural appropriation and erasure of indigenous craftsmanship. After all, when centuries-old heritage is repackaged without credit, it’s not just imitation—it’s theft of identity. 🗣️🧭

🛡️ From Firestorm to Framework: Maharashtra’s Bold Response

The silver lining? This controversy sparked a powerful response from the Maharashtra government, which immediately acted to protect India’s remaining traditional crafts. Over 40+ new Geographical Indication (GI) tags are being filed to safeguard regional artisans and their creations.

This is more than just a legal move. It’s a cultural reclamation. 💪📜

🧑‍🎨 Why the GI Tag Matters More Than Ever

A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that legally recognizes the origin and uniqueness of a product tied to a specific region. When Kolhapuri chappals got their GI tag in 2019, it ensured:

🪶 Authenticity: Only sandals made by traditional artisans in select districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka can be marketed as "Kolhapuri Chappals".
💼 Economic Empowerment: Artisans could protect their work from imitation and gain better market prices.
🌍 Global Recognition: The GI tag elevated Kolhapuris to a global handicraft status, with international buyers now seeing them as luxury goods with a story.

But this protection was not enough to prevent silent borrowing by international brands.

Hence, this week’s headlines are a wake-up call. Recognition must go beyond law—it must be accompanied by respect, royalties, and representation.

💰 Where’s the Royalty? Kolhapur Deserves Its Due

If Prada or any other global label wishes to borrow or draw inspiration from Kolhapuri chappals, it’s only fair that:

✅ The original artisans receive royalties.
🏷️ Products be named “Kolhapuri Chappals” to retain cultural identity.
🤝 Collaborations be forged with local craft clusters—not just for aesthetics but for sustainable livelihoods.

This isn’t just business; this is economic justice and creative integrity. ✊

Imagine if brands like Prada worked directly with Kolhapur’s artisan communities. Imagine the fusion of Indian tradition with Italian craftsmanship. Now that’s true innovation, built on mutual respect.

🧭 The Bigger Picture: Why This Moment Matters

This isn’t a one-off story about footwear. It’s about:

🧬 Cultural ownership: Who gets to profit from heritage?
🧵 Preserving traditional knowledge: In a world moving fast, ancient skills risk being lost unless protected.
🌏 Global accountability: Major brands must rethink how they engage with indigenous cultures.

The Kolhapuri chappal has become a symbol of resistance, legacy, and the silent strength of artisan voices who’ve long been unheard.

In a refreshing shift, legacy now has leverage. The global fashion elite must now reckon with the power of place, the soul of craft, and the voice of the maker.

🙌 The Way Forward: Respect, Not Replication

It’s time for fashion houses, buyers, and influencers to:

Acknowledge origin stories.
Invest in artisan partnerships.
Stop treating culture like a costume.

The Kolhapuri chappal has walked through centuries. In 2025, it's no longer just footwear—it’s a statement of pride. 🧡

🔚 Final Word

The next time you slip on a pair of Kolhapuris, remember: they’re not just sandals. They are stitched with history, oiled with tradition, and burnished by time.

Let’s celebrate the craftsperson, not just the craft.Let’s ensure that what starts in Kolhapur doesn’t get rebranded in Milan without its soul.