Mumbai: Actress Kareena Kapoor has subtly criticised luxury fashion house Prada for allegedly replicating India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappal design without proper credit. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, Kareena posted a photo of her own Kolhapuri sandals with the caption, “Sorry not Prada…but my OG Kolhapuri,” deliberately leaving her face out of frame to let the footwear take centre stage.
Her post follows mounting backlash against Prada for showcasing sandals that closely resemble Kolhapuri chappals—traditional handcrafted leather footwear native to Maharashtra—without initially acknowledging their cultural roots.
The controversy gained traction after Prada debuted a new pair of “Toe Ring Sandals” during its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show in Milan on June 22. The design, which features distinct similarities to Kolhapuris, sparked criticism online for cultural appropriation and lack of attribution.
In response to the outrage, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay High Court demanding compensation for Indian artisans who have preserved the craft of Kolhapuri chappals for generations. The PIL claims Prada’s design was lifted directly from the traditional model and showcased under the European label without due credit to Indian heritage.
While Prada had earlier stated that the sandals were “inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear,” critics pointed out the absence of a direct reference to Kolhapuris in their branding or promotions. The luxury brand also came under fire for pricing the sandals at nearly ₹1 lakh, prompting further debate over intellectual property, artisan rights, and cultural ownership.
Amid the growing backlash, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, issued a statement acknowledging the Indian origins of the design. “We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,” he said.
Kareena Kapoor’s public stance has added star power to the ongoing conversation around cultural appropriation in global fashion, amplifying calls for greater recognition and respect for indigenous artisans and their centuries-old traditions.
With IANS inputs