#kolhapurichappal

After Milan Fashion Week 2025, Italian luxury brand Prada found itself at the centre of a controversy in India. The reason? Footwear showcased by the brand looked strikingly similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals, a craft that carries deep cultural and regional significance.

Social media outrage followed quickly, with many accusing Prada of copying Indian heritage. But beyond public sentiment, the real question was a legal one: did Prada actually break the law?

What really happened

Following the backlash, a case was filed in the Bombay High Court, alleging misuse of the Kolhapuri chappal design. However, the court dismissed the petition. This surprised many, especially those who believed that Kolhapuri chappals are protected under India’s Geographical Indication (GI) law.

What GI protection actually covers

GI protection safeguards the name and origin of a product — not every visual element or design detail. It prevents others from selling their product as “Kolhapuri chappals” if it does not originate from the designated region. It does not automatically stop brands from creating footwear that looks similar.

Why copying a design isn’t always illegal

In intellectual property law, similarity alone does not equal infringement. Unless a design is separately protected through design registration or copyright, reproducing a similar look may still be legally permissible.

The critical legal mistake

The biggest issue was not inspiration taken by Prada, but the lack of enforcement of IP rights by artisan groups and associations. Protection on paper means little without implementation.

The bigger lesson

This controversy is a wake-up call for artisans, founders, and brands dealing with culturally rooted products.

Protecting IP is important — enforcing it is essential.

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When heritage becomes a hashtag who really gets the profit is the question. Prada’s Kolhapuri-inspired sandals have reignited debates on cultural commodification. Traditional crafts deserve respect, credit, and fair compensation, not just silent copying.

Let’s give enough credit to the artisans whose skills carry centuries of history and not just a fleeting trend.