Hyderabad, July 16 -- Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has taken a big step after receiving criticism for copying India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals. A team from Prada visited Kolhapur, Maharashtra today to meet the local artisans who handcraft these famous leather slippers.

The issue started when Prada displayed sandals that looked very similar to Kolhapuri chappals at the Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 show on June 22, 2025. The sandals were priced at around Rs.1 lakh and called just "Toe ring sandals." But they did not mention that the design was inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, which are traditionally sold in India for Rs.300 - Rs.1,500.

This caused strong reactions online and in the media. Many people accused Prada of c...