India, June 27 -- Italian luxury fashion house Prada's showcase of the Kolhapuri chappal-inspired footwear - T-strapped, flat and intricately braided - at the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan earlier this week, has drawn censure from artisans of Kolhapur, where the humble footwear originated in the 12th century. It was awarded a GI (Geographical Indication) tag by the Government of India in 2019.

The footwear, which defines casual chic in India, in its luxe avatar is priced at Rs.1.2 lakh. In India a pair of Kolhapuri chappal is sold between Rs.1000 and Rs.4000.

Objecting to the European brand's cultural appropriation while keeping their craftsmanship in the shadows, a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers met chi...