Would You Pay ₹1.2 Lakh for Kolhapuris? Prada Thinks So!

Image Source: WWD

Prada’s new Spring/Summer collection has sparked a real conversation online, and it’s not just about high fashion. The luxury brand just dropped a pair of Kolhapuri-style flats—yes, the same classic sandals you see in Indian markets—but with a price tag of ₹1.2 lakh.

Here’s what’s going on:

Prada revealed these sandals at their Milan show, and they look almost exactly like the traditional Kolhapuris from Maharashtra. They have the same flat leather sole and toe loop that make Kolhapuris so recognizable.

The price is what really caught everyone’s attention. In India, you can buy a pair of Kolhapuris for a few hundred rupees, or maybe a couple thousand for a really nice, handmade pair. Prada’s version costs as much as a high-end smartphone.

Social media exploded with reactions. Some people are glad to see Indian designs getting global attention, but most are upset that Prada didn’t mention the sandals’ Indian roots or the artisans who’ve been making them for generations.

Many are calling out the brand for cultural appropriation—taking a traditional Indian craft, giving it a luxury label, and selling it for a huge markup, all without crediting the original makers.

There’s also a bigger conversation now about how Kolhapuri artisans in India are struggling, even as their work is being celebrated (and sold for a fortune) abroad.

It’s a reminder of how important it is to give credit where it’s due—and to think about who really benefits when traditional crafts go global.

Source: NDTV, Deccan Herald, CNBC TV18, India Today, Financial Express, Business Today