Prada Faces Criticism In India Over Sandals Resembling Kolhapuri Chappals; GI Tag Case Unlikely To Succeed, Says Lawyer
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Prada faces backlash in India for selling sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals. Legal expert says GI infringement case may be weak, though cultural credit was missing.
Italian luxury fashion brand Prada is facing criticism in India after it recently presented leather flat sandals during its fashion show in Milan. These sandals, which are priced at around Rs 1.2 lakh, look very similar to the traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals.
This has started a debate on whether Prada is using Indian culture unfairly and whether it could be a case of copying a protected traditional design.
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Kolhapuri chappals are handmade leather slippers that have been part of Indian tradition, especially in Maharashtra, since the 12th century. In 2019, these chappals were given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
This GI status means that the design is special and officially linked to a particular region, and it helps protect the rights of local artisans by recognising the cultural value of their products.
Many people in India are now questioning whether Prada has violated these rights by selling sandals that closely resemble Kolhapuris without giving credit to Indian designers or artisans.
Some legal experts, however, believe that taking legal action against Prada may not be easy or successful.
Senior lawyer Ameet Naik said,
“Prada has taken a view that these are flat sandals and that there is no misrepresentation. A passing off action could be explored, but may not be a strong case of infringement. Prada could have avoided controversy by clearly acknowledging the Indian inspiration behind the design.”
This situation has led to reactions from government officials and people in the leather and fashion industry.
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A senior official at the Leather Industries Corporation said that Prada did not contact them about using this design, and they would be carrying out a full inquiry. He said the necessary steps would be taken after that.
At the same time, some officials have said that international exposure to such traditional designs could actually be helpful. Prakash Abitkar, the Guardian Minister of Kolhapur, stated,
“The global display of Kolhapuri-style leatherwork could benefit local artisans.”
He also mentioned that the Maharashtra government is working on a cluster scheme that would help the leather industry in the Kolhapur region grow and gain more visibility.
Madhuri Misal, the Minister of State for Social Justice in Maharashtra, also shared her thoughts on the matter.
She said,
“The matter is not limited to chappals but includes bags and other leather accessories.”
She added that,
“The government is working to uplift traditional cobblers through skill development and financial assistance, and that international visibility could lead to better prices for their work.”
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While no court case or legal complaint has been filed against Prada as of now, the issue has opened up a larger discussion across India about how traditional Indian arts, crafts, and designs should be protected globally.
People are saying that international companies must give credit and recognition to the original creators of cultural designs.
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