Luxury fashion brand Prada is facing backlash again over its Kolhapuri-inspired sandals, even after attempting to address earlier criticism. The controversy began when the brand introduced designs that closely resembled traditional Kolhapuri chappals-a craft deeply rooted in Indian culture and protected by a GI (Geographical Indication) tag.

Initially, the lack of proper credit to Indian artisans sparked outrage. In response, Prada introduced a new collection claiming collaboration with local makers, aiming to highlight craftsmanship and give it global visibility.

However, criticism hasn’t faded. Many argue that despite the collaboration, the designs remain nearly identical to traditional Kolhapuris, yet are sold at luxury prices, far beyond what artisans actually earn. This has raised serious concerns about fair recognition, pricing gaps, and whether such partnerships truly benefit the original creators.

The issue also exposes a legal grey area-while a GI tag protects the name, it doesn’t fully protect the design, allowing global brands to reinterpret traditional styles.

At its core, this debate goes beyond fashion-it’s about ownership, respect, and cultural value.