Prada has responded to allegations of cultural appropriation regarding its new sandal design, acknowledging its Indian roots amidst discussions about honoring traditional craftsmanship.
Prada Addresses Backlash Over Cultural Appropriation of Indian Sandals
Prada Addresses Backlash Over Cultural Appropriation of Indian Sandals
The luxury brand admits to the Indian inspiration behind its latest footwear after facing criticism.
In a notable incident of cultural recognition, Italian luxury fashion house Prada has recently acknowledged the traditional Indian influence behind its new sandal line showcased at Milan Fashion Week. Initially critiqued for their striking resemblance to Kolhapuri sandals—heritage footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka—the designs prompted outcry and allegations of cultural appropriation when Prada failed to credit their origins.
Following the uproar, Prada communicated through a statement that it recognizes the inspiration drawn from India’s popular mules, remarking on its ongoing relationship with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce. The company's head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, explained the design is still in early development, indicating their willingness to engage in dialogue with local artisans.
Kolhapuri sandals, named after a city known for this craftsmanship, date back to the 12th Century and are made from durable leather, ideal for the country’s hot climate. These traditional sandals, which were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, were notably highlighted by local artisans who expressed disappointment over the lack of attribution in Prada’s global marketing.
Artisans shared their concerns that the company’s high pricing, in stark contrast to the modest cost of the same handmade sandals in India, capitalizes on their hard work without offering them fair recognition or compensation. In the wake of Prada's design controversy, some local business representatives also reflected on the pride they felt for their heritage being recognized on an international platform, despite the challenges posed by global brands appropriating traditional designs.
This controversy follows a trend where international brands face scrutiny for appropriating Indian cultural symbols and products without proper acknowledgment. The discourse surrounding this issue continues to emphasize the need for respect and fairness in representing cultural heritages in fashion.
Following the uproar, Prada communicated through a statement that it recognizes the inspiration drawn from India’s popular mules, remarking on its ongoing relationship with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce. The company's head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, explained the design is still in early development, indicating their willingness to engage in dialogue with local artisans.
Kolhapuri sandals, named after a city known for this craftsmanship, date back to the 12th Century and are made from durable leather, ideal for the country’s hot climate. These traditional sandals, which were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Indian government in 2019, were notably highlighted by local artisans who expressed disappointment over the lack of attribution in Prada’s global marketing.
Artisans shared their concerns that the company’s high pricing, in stark contrast to the modest cost of the same handmade sandals in India, capitalizes on their hard work without offering them fair recognition or compensation. In the wake of Prada's design controversy, some local business representatives also reflected on the pride they felt for their heritage being recognized on an international platform, despite the challenges posed by global brands appropriating traditional designs.
This controversy follows a trend where international brands face scrutiny for appropriating Indian cultural symbols and products without proper acknowledgment. The discourse surrounding this issue continues to emphasize the need for respect and fairness in representing cultural heritages in fashion.
