Imagine a luxury fashion brand introducing sandals for around a lakh – and you get almost the same sandals, or even better for around ₹500. After all, they are made by artisans.
Prada featured similar-looking Kolhapuri chappals in Milan without mentioning Kolhapuri tradition, artisans, or culture. This grabbed global headlines. From social media to celebrities, everyone spoke up – overwhelmingly in favour of Kolhapuri artisans.
Voices from around the world stood in solidarity – not with the fashion house, but with the Kolhapuri artisans who have preserved their legacy through generations.
Most called it intellectual theft. Prada termed it creative inspiration. Jury is yet to be out on that but what followed was extraordinary: a visit by the Prada team to Kolhapur to meet the very hands that shaped this heritage.The outpouring of support reached such a crescendo that it stirred Prada top brass into action.
The Visit That Spoke Volumes:
2014 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre and Kolhapur District Collector, Mr Amol Yedge, speaking exclusively to Indian Masterminds, shared details about the much talked about visit.
“A team of Prada visiting Kolhapur, met the artisans, appreciated the art. They were amazed to see the work done by hands.”
His words reflect the profound impact of Kohlapur and its craftsmen left on the global brand’s representatives.
“The people of Kolhapur are attached to their traditions. Kolhapuri people strongly objected the wrong practice by Prada. With this we also got attention through social media and people voiced their support for Kolhapur. It is good to see such awareness in people when they embrace their traditional culture.” Said Yedge.
A Culture That Speaks for Itself
The Prada team came without fanfare – not as celebrities, but as guests seeking understanding. And Kolhapur, grounded in its values, welcomed them with the warmth of Indian hospitality.
Atithi Devo Bhav
Amol Yedge mentioned, “Atithi Devo Bhava, it was our duty to make the team comfortable and introduce them to our culture, tradition. After roaming the lanes full of artwork, handmade chappals, hardworking people, understanding the beauty of Kolhapuri chappals, they left. They assured to come back to Kolhapur after their board of directors meeting.”
When fashion faced tradition, tradition emerged stronger – leaving a mark on the fashion industry and in the hearts of the people
Tradition Backed by Law
Kolhapuri chappals are protected under LIDCOM, a government body under the Maharashtra administration. In the aftermath of the Prada controversy, LIDCOM has initiated legal proceedings against the brand under the framework governing Geographical Indication (GI) products.
“We will look out for logical conclusions,” Yedge stated. “We want conclusions that benefit Kolhapur’s centuries-old historical traditions.”
With this, IAS Amol Yedge summed up stating that “I am lucky that I am placed at Kolhapur, where people are wise and love their tradition.”
When fashion faced tradition, tradition emerged stronger – leaving a mark on the fashion industry and in the hearts of the people. In Kolhapur, chappals are not just footwear. They are proud of heritage, and identity – handcrafted not just with leather, but with legacy.
