Thu Jun 26 16:17:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers are protesting Prada’s new sandal design in their Spring/Summer 2026 collection, claiming it’s a blatant copy of the traditional Kolhapuri chappal, a product with Geographical Indication (GI) status in India. Artisans and politicians are condemning Prada for alleged cultural appropriation and lack of credit, with actions being taken including filing a Public Interest Litigation, appealing to government officials, and holding meetings to discuss further action. The key concerns are the threat to the livelihoods of Kolhapuri artisans and the violation of GI regulations.

**News Article:**

**Prada Accused of ‘Cultural Theft’ Over Kolhapuri Chappal Design**

**Mumbai, June 26, 2025** – Italian luxury fashion brand Prada is facing a storm of criticism for allegedly appropriating the design of the Kolhapuri chappal, a traditional Indian sandal with protected Geographical Indication (GI) status. Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers are up in arms over Prada’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which features sandals bearing a striking resemblance to the iconic Indian footwear.

Accusations of “cultural theft” are swirling, with Nationalist Congress Party MLA Rohit Pawar decrying Prada’s alleged lack of acknowledgement for the Kolhapuri artisans who have honed the craft for generations. Pawar wrote on social media platform X, suggesting the Maharashtra state government should act against Prada.

“This isn’t just copying – it’s cultural theft! If Prada won’t respect our heritage by branding it right, the Maharashtra government must act against such #ChappalChor,” Pawar wrote.

The artisans are claiming that Prada is selling the sandals for prices nearing ₹1 lakh, while the artisans get far less.

In Kolhapur, a meeting of the District Footwear Association was held, condemning the appropriation and vowing legal action. “We will also file a criminal writ petition against Prada for this,” said Bhupal Shete, a member of the association.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik said a Public Interest Litigation is being prepared to be filed in the Bombay High Court. He has also pledged to raise the issue with Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

The Kolhapuri chappal was granted GI status by the Indian government in 2019, protecting its unique origin and craftsmanship. Manufacturers claim Prada’s actions threaten the livelihoods of the estimated 20,000 artisans involved in the production of these traditional sandals. The situation is developing as stakeholders explore legal and governmental interventions to protect the interests of the Kolhapuri chappal industry.

Read More