Prada bows to massive online backlash! Italian brand forced to credit Kolhapuri chappal designs; legal options being mulled in India

The Kolhapuri chappals obtained GI designation on December 11, 2018.

Prada, the Italian high-end style brand, has confirmed that their upcoming Spring Summer 2026 menswear line integrated designs influenced by Kolhapuri chappals, addressing the controversy that precipitated important displeasure in India and sparked discussions about cultural appropriation. The leather-based sandal with open toes offered by Prada reveals putting similarities to the heritage leather-based footwear that artisans have crafted for generations in Maharashtra and Karnataka.The response comes following social media criticism and official stress relating to the failure to credit Indian craftsmen and cultural legacy of the design on the Milan occasion. Responding to ET’s enquiry, the organisation emphasised its dedication to celebrating artisanal experience, legacy and design customs.The firm reportedly stated: “Prada acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, were featured in its Men’s 2026 Spring Summer show in Milan. We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft. We are in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry &Agriculture on this topic.”

Legal Action Against Prada?

According to the monetary day by day’s report, the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which shares geographical indication (GI) certification for Kolhapuri chappals with Karnataka’s LIDKAR, is contemplating legal measures.The Kolhapuri chappals obtained GI designation on December 11, 2018, together with eight districts—4 every in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The craft business’s substantial measurement contrasts with merely 95 artisans registered as authorised GI customers. “There is a lack of awareness about what GI registration offers,” famous an official from the state’s industries division.Also Read | Pulse, the Re 1 sweet, now a multi-crore income generator! How DS Group goals to make it a Rs 1,000 crore brandAlthough registered proprietors (LIDCOM and LIDKAR) and authorised customers have legal rights to provoke proceedings inside India’s borders, GI marks at present lack worldwide legal safeguards.Maharashtra’s business division has engaged in talks with LIDCOM, in accordance to business secretary P Anbalagan. A senior LIDCOM consultant was quoted in the report as saying, “We are in the process of making some decisions, and legal recourse will certainly be involved.” The official added, “Since the company is based in Italy, we are evaluating the legal options available in this situation. If required, LIDCOM will approach the appropriate channel through India’s ministry of commerce.”A Maharashtra authorities official stated: “Prima facie, a vendor should not be using GI-registered name, logo, or invoicing product under GI identity”.Legal specialists point out that India’s Geographical Indication laws safeguard registered merchandise from unauthorised business utilization of their names or implied origins, however not from design imitation. IP lawyer Priyanka Khimani says that proprietors can improve safety by securing trademark registration for his or her identify/brand in international jurisdictions.Also Read | ‘Biggest risk of my life’: Mukesh Ambani says even when Reliance Jio would have failed, it will have been ‘worth it’; advised board ‘in worst case…’“Borrowing the style without using the GI name in trade does not necessarily violate GI provisions,” Khimani advised ET. “Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word ‘Kolhapuri’ or implies a link to Kolhapur’s craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse.”Nevertheless, Khimani highlighted the moral issues. “There is a responsibility on international fashion houses to acknowledge the cultural heritage they borrow from. It would be meaningful for both brands and artisans if there was transparent commercial collaboration and due credit.”Organisations akin to Nabard present help in post-GI registration actions, together with artisan enrolment and advertising and marketing seminars, while state-level implementation can facilitate these outcomes. Khimani means that GI-registered proprietors may improve their international safety by registering related marks and names as logos internationally. For occasion, the Tea Board has secured trademark/certification trademark registrations for marks associated to ‘Darjeeling Tea’ in numerous nations.