Prada team of Technical Experts visit Kolhapur; Interacts and witnesses the infamous footwear model

The well-known Italian Fashion Brand Prada has sent a special technical team of experts to Kolhapur, India after the infamous controversy of having the traditional chappal on their 2026 Spring/Summer Runway. 

Recently the mega fashion brand was under fire for not recognising or crediting the Indian artisanal product known as ‘Kolhapur Chappals’ during the Prada Spring/Summer collection runway. Now a special team has been sent to Kolhapur to learn more about the artisanal leather slippers that were worn by the models. 

The slippers immediately caught the attention of Indians and the internet users who spread the word on highlighting the slipper’s cost which was listed by Prada for Rs 1.2 Lakh. Without proper credit or recognition for the Indian model, the brand was quickly criticised for the lack of research and planning. 

Now a team of six experts from Prada’s footwear division including Paolo Tiveron, head of men’s footwear production, Daniele Contu, a pattern-making manager, and others are in Kolhapur to learn more on how the traditional slipper is made. 

Following the scandal, Prada also acknowledged their Summer 2026 line and said that the footwear was indeed ‘inspired’ by the traditional Indian footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production.

“Four members of their technical team, including the heads of footwear design of Prada and two external consultants, visited Kolhapur on Tuesday (July 15, 2025). They toured the Kolhapuri chappal manufacturing cluster, observed the production process, and held discussions with local artisans,” Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, told PTI.

The team later visited the Kolhapur markets and visited local shops selling the traditional slippers and interacted with the owners and artisans on the retail, development and marketing aspects of the slipper.