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At the Prada Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan, Indians spotted something familiar – a Kolhapuri style sandal. This has sparked a cultural appropriation debate online.
Indians criticized Prada for not acknowledging Kolhapuri origins.
Prada unveiled its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection at the Deposito of Fondazione Prada in Milan – a space known for its stark minimalism and architectural drama. Designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the show was a characteristic blend of whimsy, futuristic tailoring, and cerebral aesthetics.
Yet amid the conceptual silhouettes and fine tailoring, one accessory stole the spotlight: a distinctly familiar pair of sandals. Slim, skeletal, with a prominent toe ring and unmistakable tan leather- a classic Indian Kolhapuri style chappal made an unexpected cameo.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Indian items have been used by the West in fashion. Popular fashion page Diet Sabya shared a video from the Prada show and talked about how this trend has been going on since time immemorial. They wrote, “Chintz, cummerbunds, Nehru jackets. Turbans on international runways. Recently, the ludicrous ‘Scandi Scarf’ and ‘Mandi Bag’! Along with a slew of remixes of Indian fits that had zero business being remixed. And now? The Kolhapuri?! Not to be that nagging aunty, but are we ready for a Prada Kolhapuri that’ll cost us £1,000 a pair? And that’ll be “Fashion” because Europeans will suddenly start wearing it. Quite interesting if you think about it.”
Take a look at the post here.
The Prada show invite also paid a subtle nod to the Kolhapuri. The invite included a tan-hued ‘leather ring’ which is a stark reminder of the signature Kolhapuri’s toe-loop design.
Talking about seeing the Kolhapuri on the global stage, Aprajita Toor – founder of her eponymous footwear brand- told News18: “The Kolhapuri isn’t just a shoe, it’s a footprint of Indian heritage, handcrafted by generations of artisans. It’s wonderful to see this iconic silhouette travel global runways, but even more vital that its cultural roots and creators are acknowledged. Fashion becomes more meaningful when it’s grounded in history and gives credit where it’s due. The applause must echo back to the artisans. The Kolhapuri is heritage, passed hand to hand, soul to sole.”
While Prada has yet to reveal what it plans to call these sandals, many in India are voicing frustration over yet another instance of Indian design being lifted without due credit or cultural acknowledgement on social media platforms. One user wrote, “I hope they call it Kolhapuris, instead of rebranding it as sandals. Everything Indian gets renamed.” A second user noted, “How easily brands take away the OG identity and think it’s ok to do that…Guts.” A third user said, “Prada SS26 includes kolhapuri chappal, which originates from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India and is known for its intricate design and craftsmanship. Just like ‘Scandinavian scarves’, the Western fashion industry is ripping off Indian fashion again.”
The recent reinterpretation of dupattas as “Scandinavian scarves”, Indians fashion enthusiasts are taking note of this erasure. While borrowing from cultural archives is hardly new in high fashion, the line between inspiration and appropriation has grown increasingly fraught.
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Delhi, India, India
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