New Age Colonialism In Couture? Kolhapuri Chappals Misappropriated, Sparks Outrage
New Age Colonialism In Couture? Kolhapuri Chappals Misappropriated, Sparks Outrage
Kolhapur, June 27, 2025: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strong action against Italian luxury brand Prada for showcasing Kolhapuri-style sandals without acknowledging their Indian origin. He alleged that the move violates India’s Geographical Indication (GI) norms and the Artisan Act.
Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chattrapati has also raised voice against the violation of GI Norms and is seeking action against the company.
In his post on X, he stated, “A growing chorus of voices is accusing luxury fashion house Prada of cultural appropriation after the brand launched sandals strikingly similar to India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals—without offering any acknowledgment of their Indian origin or the artisans behind the centuries-old craft.”
A viral post titled “New Age Colonialism Under the Garb of Fashion” has gained traction across social media platforms, condemning Prada’s silence as a deliberate erasure of India’s cultural heritage. “This isn’t just design inspiration—it’s daylight robbery of our shared legacy,” the post states, pointing to the deep historical and cultural value of the Kolhapuri chappal, which received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019.
Crafted by skilled artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the Kolhapuri chappal has been a symbol of India’s indigenous craftsmanship, even enjoying royal patronage under Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj. The online commentary accuses Prada of profiting from this legacy while denying its rightful origin, calling for immediate corrective measures.
The statement urges Prada to publicly acknowledge the roots of the design and to engage directly with the artisan communities through licensing or collaborative efforts that include fair compensation. “Fashion must be inclusive, not extractive,” the post reads, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of global brands.”
The post also appeals to the Government of India to step in and defend the nation’s heritage from such uncredited commercial exploitation, framing the incident as part of a broader pattern of cultural dispossession dressed in the language of luxury. As conversations around ethical fashion intensify globally, this incident is likely to fuel debates on intellectual property, cultural ownership, and the accountability of international fashion houses in respecting and preserving traditional art forms.
The controversy began after Prada featured Kolhapuri-inspired footwear in its Men’s Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week, pricing them at ₹1.2 lakh per pair. The designs made no reference to the traditional Kolhapuri chappals, which have held a GI tag since 2019 and are deeply rooted in 12th-century Indian heritage.
Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted by artisan communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka and are a symbol of cultural identity. Mahadik stated that the unauthorized use of this traditional design not only disrespects intellectual property rights but also undermines the livelihoods and legacy of thousands of Indian artisans.
In his letter, personally submitted to CM Fadnavis by his son Krishnaraj Mahadik and local community leaders, the MP demanded that the state government escalate the matter both nationally and internationally. He emphasized the importance of preserving India’s cultural symbols and called for legal measures and public awareness initiatives to protect the identity of GI-tagged products like Kolhapuri chappals.
Mahadik said this incident should serve as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of GI protections in global markets.
