MUMBAI, June 30 -- From 'chappal chor' to brand ambassador, of sorts, Italian luxury fashion house Prada has made a swift about-turn, expressing its willingness to discuss a revenue-sharing model for Kolhapuri chappals made by traditional Indian artisans and a symbol of Marathi pride. Local artisans are also demanding that Prada use the 'Kolhapuri' label when selling these chappals in the international market. Prada's pivot comes after the international fashion brand showcased the classic T-strapped, flat and intricately braided chappal at the spring summer 2026 menswear collection at the Milan Fashion Week recently. This drew loud protests from local Kolhapuri artisans, who accused Prada of "cultural appropriation" for failing to give due recognition to the chappals, which represent an 800-year tradition that originated in Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), had written to Prada on June 25, urging acknowledgement and collaboration regarding traditional Kolhapuri footwear designs. Gandhi told HT that Lorenzo Bertelli, head, corporate social responsibility at Prada, had replied to him on June 27. Gandhi said, "We welcome the response from Prada, which admitted that the design it had showcased had been inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear." The fashion house, Bertelli had added in his letter, was ready to "recognise the value of specialised craftspeople by meaningful exchange with local artists and MACCIA". Gandhi said he interpreted this to mean that Prada was open to working out a revenue-sharing formula with local Kolhapuri artisans, for the sale of the traditional chappals in the global market....