Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has landed in legal trouble over its 2026 men’s footwear collection, which allegedly copies the design of India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court seeks compensation for Indian artisans and an injunction against the unauthorised commercialisation of the GI-tagged product.
The PIL, filed by IPR advocate Ganesh S Hingemire, accuses Prada of cultural appropriation, misrepresentation, and unauthorised exploitation of a heritage craft rooted in Maharashtra.
Prada had launched the sandals under the name ‘Toe Ring Sandals’, showcased during Milan Fashion Week in June. The footwear, priced at over ₹1 lakh a pair, closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals in both design and cultural essence, the petition alleges.
Though Prada’s Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of CSR, issued a statement acknowledging the inspiration from Indian handcrafted footwear, the PIL argues that the statement was neither public nor sufficient. It seeks a formal apology, damages, and stricter protection for traditional Indian crafts under Geographical Indication (GI) law.
PIL Demands:
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A formal public apology from Prada
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Monetary compensation for artisans
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Legal injunction against further unauthorised commercialisation
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Stronger protection of Indian GI-tagged products
The case is likely to reignite global conversations around intellectual property, cultural appropriation, and the need for ethical fashion practices.
