The controversy surrounding Prada's "Toe Ring Sandals" and their resemblance to traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals continues to gain traction, with actress Neena Gupta joining Kareena Kapoor in expressing her disapproval of the luxury brand's design. Both actresses have taken to social media to showcase their own Kolhapuri chappals, emphasizing the beauty and authenticity of the traditional Indian footwear.
Neena Gupta posted a video on Instagram where she flaunted a handmade pair of Kolhapuri slippers gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. In the video, Gupta recounts the memory fondly, stating that the slippers are the most beautiful she has ever owned. She captioned the video with a simple yet powerful message: "Real toh real hota hai". This translates to "real is real".
This follows Kareena Kapoor's recent Instagram story where she posted a photo of herself wearing her own Kolhapuri chappals, captioning it, "Sorry not Prada…but my OG Kolhapuri". "OG" stands for "original". Her post subtly criticized Prada for showcasing sandals that closely resemble Kolhapuri chappals without acknowledging their Indian origin.
Prada unveiled the controversial sandals during its Men's Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show in Milan on June 22. The sandals, marketed as "Toe Ring Sandals," sparked outrage online, with many accusing the brand of cultural appropriation and a lack of acknowledgment for the traditional Indian craftsmanship.
The issue has now escalated beyond social media, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Bombay High Court. The petition demands compensation for the Indian artisans who create Kolhapuri chappals, arguing that Prada copied the designs without recognition. The PIL accuses Prada of misrepresentation, cultural appropriation, and unauthorized commercial exploitation of the Kolhapuri chappal. The plea also highlights that the sandals were priced at over ₹1 lakh per pair. In contrast, Kolhapuri chappals are widely available in Indian markets for around ₹500.
Prada has issued a statement acknowledging that the sandals featured in their recent fashion show were "inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage". Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, stated that the brand deeply recognizes the cultural significance of Indian craftsmanship. The brand also noted that the designs were in the early stages and were not yet approved for production.
Despite Prada's acknowledgment, the controversy continues, raising questions about ethical branding and cultural appropriation. Experts suggest that Prada failed to properly identify and assess the ethical implications of using the Kolhapuri design without giving due credit to its origins and artisans.
The Kolhapuri chappal received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, legally recognizing it as a traditional product from specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. This tag signifies the cultural and regional significance of the footwear.
The controversy has also attracted political attention, with BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik requesting that the matter be addressed at national and international levels. On July 11, Prada is scheduled to hold a video conference with representatives from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and artisans to discuss potential collaboration and ways to bring Kolhapuri chappals to the global market.
