Once sold for just ₹150 on the vibrant streets of Kolhapur, the Kolhapuri chappal has walked a long and elegant path—right onto the runways of Milan Fashion Week. When global luxury brand Prada showcased its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, featuring what it described as “leather flat sandals,” Indian audiences instantly recognized the silhouette. These sandals bore an uncanny resemblance to the iconic Kolhapuri chappal—sparking not only cultural debate but a renewed global fascination with one of India’s most celebrated handmade crafts.
In this Article
From Heritage Craft to Haute Couture
Crafted in specific districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the Kolhapuri chappal holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag—a legal recognition of its roots, techniques, and cultural value. Despite its heritage, the chappal’s journey to global stardom wasn’t sudden. It was built over decades by dedicated artisans and passionate designers who have tirelessly worked to keep the tradition alive while modernizing its appeal.
Check Out: Get Silky & Smooth Hair Naturally At Home in Just 1 Wash with This DIY Mask
In June 2025, as Prada’s models graced the ramp in Milan, social media erupted. While many praised the visual homage, others questioned the luxury brand’s initial lack of acknowledgment. But Prada soon released a statement crediting Indian craftsmanship as the inspiration and initiated dialogue with regional trade authorities—marking an important moment of cultural recognition.
Designers Who Keep the Legacy Alive
Behind the Kolhapuri’s rising popularity is a wave of Indian designers who are ensuring the chappal evolves without losing its soul.
Harshwardhan Patwardhan, founder of Chappers, brought Kolhapuris into the everyday wardrobe of millennials by softening the leather with chromium tanning, adding memory foam soles, and improving grip with anti-skid bases. His brand saw a 400–500% increase in engagement post-Prada’s runway moment.
Chondamma Cariappa, founder of The Sole Sisters, plays with vivid colors and accents, like handwoven cane and palm weaves, while staying rooted in the original flat leather sole that defines a Kolhapuri. She believes in celebrating Indian crafts through footwear that speaks a contemporary language.
Aprajita Toor, a premium luxury designer, has redefined the Kolhapuri with refined textures, intricate embroidery, and even subtle heel structures. For her, the chappal is not a trend, but a living legacy. Her designs prove that modern reinterpretation can co-exist with cultural respect.
Each of these innovators shares a common philosophy—adapt, don’t erase. Their work preserves the artisan’s voice, while appealing to the aesthetics of today’s fashion-conscious buyers.
More Than Just Footwear
Cultural icons like Shobhaa De, who has worn Kolhapuris since her college days, emphasize the emotional and functional value of the chappal. To her and many others, it’s more than footwear—it’s an expression of Indian identity that’s comfortable, versatile, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Check Out: 10 Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup Looks for Indian Skin Tones
Craft and design historian Tanishka Kachru of the National Institute of Design stresses the importance of ownership and visibility. She believes that moments like the Prada showcase can become a turning point for artisan-led innovation, driving both recognition and economic upliftment for the communities who craft them.
Legal Perspective: What GI Law Allows (and Doesn’t)
While many questioned Prada’s use of a design resembling Kolhapuris, legal expert Shwetasree Majumder clarified that a GI tag offers protection only if the name “Kolhapuri” is misused. Since Prada marketed the sandals under a generic name and made them in Italy, they didn’t technically infringe upon the GI tag.
However, this incident opens up a broader discussion—how can indigenous crafts receive the global respect and credit they deserve, beyond legal protections?
Walking into the Future
The Kolhapuri chappal is clearly at a crossroads. With global brands drawing inspiration and Indian designers leading careful innovation, the future looks bright yet delicate. It’s a moment that demands thoughtful action from both the fashion industry and cultural policymakers.
As Prasad Bidapa, renowned fashion commentator, rightly points out: “A craft must adapt to stay relevant, but this should be done thoughtfully, respecting its heritage and the artisans who have preserved it.”
In a world constantly searching for the next big fashion moment, the Kolhapuri chappal is a timeless classic—not because it chases trends, but because it transcends them.
