A luxurious label recognizes Indian shoe design roots after backlash

The Italian luxurious fashionable Prada label said it recognized the Indian roots of its new shoe line, a few days after the design caused an dispute in India.

Last week, the sandals presented on the Milan Fashion Week had a braided open carrier sample, which was very reminiscent of the traditional collectors made in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnatak.

Sale called the sandals as “leather shoes”, but did not mention its Indian origin, which caused the reaction and allegations in India.

Responding to the dispute, she sold the BBC in a statement that she admits that sandals are inspired by traditional Indian shoes.

The Prada press -secretary said that the company “always noted the skill, heritage and design traditions”, adding that it “contacts the Maharashtra, industry and agriculture with the Maharashtri Chamber.”

Last week, a well -known trade organization wrote the brand, saying the design was commercialized without counting the artisans who have preserved their heritage for generations.

According to Reuters, Lorenzo Berteli, the head of corporate social responsibility Prada replied to his letter stating that the sandals were “at an early design stage”.

He also said that Prada was open to a “dialogue for a significant exchange with local Indian artisans” and the company organized the following meetings to discuss it further.

Named after the city in Maharashtra, where they are made, the Sands of the Kalhapura trace their roots back to the 12th century.

Traditional sandals made of leather and sometimes colored in natural colors, durable and well suited to the hot climate of India.

In 2019, the Indian government awarded the status of geographical instructions (GI).

According to the World Trade Organization, the geographical indicator attributes a good or product that emerged from a particular region or place, and is considered a sign of authenticity.

After the dispute, many artisans in Kalhapur stated that they were upset by the use of the design without giving a proper loan.

“These sandals are made with hard work of leather workers in the collective. They should be called in honor of Kalhapur. Do not use them,” said Pobcha Satput, Kalhapur -master, said the BBC Marathi.

Sandals cost several hundred rupees in India, but Prada prices caused displeasure.

The industrialist who stood out, emphasized this, saying that the local artisans practically do not make money for the same products. “They lose, while world brands earn our culture,” he said.

This is not the first time world brands were accused of assigning Indian traditional products without counting their roots.

At the 2025 film festival, Gucci described Sarah, which is carried by the star Bollywood Alia Bhat, as a dress that exists with a backlash.

Earlier in May, the popular trend of the science was criticized for the call of the ass, the traditional South Asian scarf, the Scandinavian scarf.

However, in Kolhapur, some said that this step instilled a sense of pride.

“The artisans are happy that someone recognizes their work,” said the Reuters, an entrepreneur who is based in Kolhapur.

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