From Kolhapur To Milan: Prada’s Runway Sandals Look Familiar, India’s Been Wearing Them For Centuries!

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There are fashion statements, and then there are fashion legacies. The Kolhapuri chappal - that humble, handmade, open-heel leather sandal from Maharashtra has steadily and confidently straddled both worlds. Crafted by skilled artisans across generations, this footwear has now stepped into the global fashion spotlight, thanks to its striking resemblance to a key piece in Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/FortuneIndia/

Let's walk through its journey and look at the story beneath the sole.

What Are Kolhapuri Chappals, Really?

Hailing from Kolhapur and crafted across eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, these slip-on chappals are made using sun-dried buffalo hide, hand-cut and stitched entirely without synthetic materials or adhesives. A single pair can take up to two weeks to create - a process powered by skill, not machinery.

With their flat sole, toe loop, and T-strap design, Kolhapuris are known for their durability and comfort. In India, they've been part of everyday life - worn at weddings, temple visits, office runs, and lazy Sunday strolls. But they're far from ordinary.

A Legacy Fit For Warriors And Runways

The story of the Kolhapuri chappal is as layered as the leather it's made from. During the reign of the Maratha empire, these chappals gained royal patronage, favoured by warriors and noblemen alike for their rugged elegance and no-fuss functionality.

Centuries later, in the 1970s, the West took notice especially as India became a key stop on the hippie trail. Iconic moments like The Beatles lounging in kurtas and Kolhapuris in Rishikesh helped the chappal find a place in the counterculture wardrobe. It wasn't exotic; it was effortless.

A Runway That Sparked Conversations

At the Spring 2026 menswear show at the Fondazione Prada in Milan, designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented what they called "a contribution with something genuine, nice." The collection was filled with softly structured cotton poplins, raffia flowerpot hats, and bloomers. But what really caught the attention of Indian viewers? The footwear - flat, tan leather sandals, styled with black socks or worn bare, that looked undeniably like Kolhapuri chappals.

Social media was quick to pick up on the resemblance. While the runway show never explicitly named Kolhapuris, the likeness was hard to ignore.

A Case Of Recognition, Or Appropriation?

The Kolhapuri chappal was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, officially recognising its cultural significance and local roots. But with no mention of the artisans or its origin in Prada's presentation, many began asking the inevitable: is this appreciation or appropriation?

For some, seeing the chappal on a luxury runway was a proud moment. For others, the lack of acknowledgement felt like erasure, a missed opportunity to celebrate the craft and community that has kept the Kolhapuri tradition alive for centuries.

This moment has reignited important conversations about sourcing, credit, and cultural visibility in fashion. If a global luxury house benefits from the aesthetic of a traditional object, shouldn't its roots be part of the story too?

Still Grounded, Still Iconic

In India, the Kolhapuri chappal never went out of style. It didn't need a redesign. It didn't need validation. But its appearance on the Milan runway and the global buzz that followed has expanded its audience and sparked a deeper interest in traditional Indian craftsmanship.

And maybe that's what makes it truly timeless. Even as it walks international ramps, the Kolhapuri stays true to its origins - hand-stitched, earth-toned, and remarkably relevant.

So, What Happens Now?

Whether you're seeing them on Milan's catwalks or Mumbai's pavements, Kolhapuri chappals carry centuries of design history. They've journeyed from warrior courts to Western music legends to modern fashion week all while remaining rooted in handmade tradition.

Photo Credit: Pinterest@vaarsaofficial

Perhaps now, the world will not just admire them but also learn where they come from.