WATCH | Prada Faces Backlash for 'Kolhapuri' Sandals Design | Indian Artisans Demand Credit

A viral photo from a Milan fashion show featuring Italian luxury brand Prada sparked criticism from Indian artisans who craft traditional Kolhapuri sandals, named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Following the backlash, Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear design was inspired by centuries-old Indian craftsmanship.

Kolhapuri are handcrafted marginalised leatherworking communities in India and are protected under a GI tag but rarely receive global recognition.

Vasudev Ishwant Abhyankar an artisan said "They call it Kolhapur, it’s a city. But this here, this is our village, Kheda. What happens is, we live in small villages, and we make these things at home, then take them to the city to sell. There’s a market there, near the grand Shivaji statue roundabout, where big traders operate. So we craft the goods here and take them there for sale. That’s how the name became famous, the renowned Kolhapuri chappal." He further added "Our goods are sent all over India, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad. Even to Delhi. All of it, from our village, from Karnataka, from Athani, from Madbhavi, Jakareti, Nipani, all of it gets distributed far and wide. It reaches everywhere. That’s Kolhapuri, spreading far and wide."

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