Lately I’ve been reading all the chatter online about Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 show, and I wanted to share my own thoughts on it here. It feels like everyone’s talking about the same thing: those sandals.
You know the ones that look exactly like India’s famous Kolhapuri chappals? Or as the internet has now named them: Pradapuris.
That name alone says so much. It’s funny, yes but it’s also sharp. It’s a call-out. And honestly, I think it’s completely fair.
What Happened at the Prada SS26 Show
During Prada’s SS26 show, they sent models down the runway wearing what were described in their social media posts as “handmade leather sandals.”
But anyone who’s ever seen Kolhapuri's could tell immediately: these weren’t just “any” leather sandals. They had that unmistakable flat, open design, the broad leather straps, the curved toe shape exactly like the traditional sandals made in Maharashtra, India for generations.
These are not some trendy new idea. They’re a cultural staple with centuries of history behind them.
Yet when Prada first posted about them, there was no mention of India at all. No Maharashtra. No artisan tradition. Nothing.
It was just “handmade leather sandals.” That rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.
How “Pradapuris” Became a Thing
People online immediately started calling them Pradapuris.
It’s kind of genius, honestly a mash-up of Prada and Kolhapuri. But it’s not just a joke. It’s a bit of social commentary. Because what that name is really saying is:
“So you took Kolhapuris and just rebranded them as your own? Fine, let’s call them ‘Pradapuris.’”
It’s a way for people to push back. It highlights how absurd it feels when a luxury brand acts like it discovered something that’s been around for centuries.
Prada’s Late Acknowledgement
Now here’s the part that made things even messier. Prada eventually edited their caption. Yesterday, after the backlash, they added that the sandals were inspired by India and Maharashtra. Which… is better than not saying anything. But let’s be real it also felt a little too late and too quiet. A lot of people saw that edit and thought:
“Okay, so you can say where it’s from. But you only did it because people called you out.”
That doesn’t feel like real appreciation. It feels reactive.
Why It Matters to People
You might ask: Is it really such a big deal?
Honestly? Yes.
Because this isn’t just about sandals. It’s about credit, respect, and power.
When a giant global brand takes something from another culture and doesn’t even name it, it’s like saying:
We want your art, but not your story.
Kolhapuri's are more than just a design. They’re made using techniques passed down over generations in Maharashtra. Artisans tan the leather using special local methods. Every stitch has history.
When Prada tries to sell that look as their own “handmade leather sandal,” they risk erasing all of that.
And let’s not pretend it’s some small thing. Prada sandals sell for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars. Meanwhile, many Kolhapuri artisans struggle to make a living, even though their craft is the very thing being copied.
Appropriation vs. Appreciation
This is really the heart of it.
What’s the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation?
Appreciation means you respect the culture you’re inspired by. You learn about it. You acknowledge it. You give credit.
Appropriation is when you take something from another culture, strip away its meaning, and profit from it without acknowledgment.
Appreciation is partnership. Appropriation is theft.
I think a lot of people would actually love to see global brands celebrate Kolhapuris if they did it right.
What Doing It Right Looks Like
Some people pointed out online how Louis Vuitton did it better with their show. They were clear about their inspiration. They talked about India in their materials. They used Indian music. They even showcased a giant Indian “snakes-and-ladders” carpet design on the runway. They didn’t pretend their ideas came from nowhere. And that’s really all people want from Prada too.
Imagine if Prada had simply said from the start? “We’re inspired by the beauty of Kolhapuri sandals from Maharashtra. We worked with artisans, or we honor this tradition in our own way.” That would have been respectful. That would have been appreciation. But they didn’t. They edited their caption after everyone pointed it out.
How Brands Like Kolhapuri Keep It Real
There are brands out there doing it right. Take Kolhapuri (the independent label, not just the general name for the sandals). They don’t just copy the Kolhapuri look. They work with actual artisans in Maharashtra. They pay them fair wages. They use traditional methods. They don’t hide the heritage, they highlight it. They tell the story.
When you buy from them, you’re not just getting a sandal. You’re helping preserve a craft that could easily disappear if big brands keep copying it without supporting it.
That’s the difference.
Kolhapuri is not selling an aesthetic, they're preserving a legacy.
Why Credit Matters
I know some people might still think. “Who cares? Fashion has always been borrowed from everywhere.” And that’s true. Fashion is global. Inspiration moves across borders But credit is free. It costs nothing to say “We were inspired by India.” It costs nothing to include artisans.It costs nothing to share the spotlight.
And when you’re a giant luxury brand, you have the power to actually help keep these traditions alive. Or you can help erase them.
My Take on Prada’s Edit
Do I think Prada’s edit was better than nothing? Sure. But it also felt like checking a box. Real appreciation means giving credit from the very start. Not after everyone gets mad. It’s like showing up late to someone’s party and then apologizing only because you got caught. It doesn’t feel genuine.
Why This Conversation Matters
This isn’t about “cancelling” Prada. I don’t even think most people want that. It’s about pushing the fashion industry to be better. To be honest, To be respectful. Because when a big brand erases the roots of a design, it doesn’t just hurt feelings. It hurts real people who depend on that craft to make a living. And for us as shoppers? We have choices too.
We can choose to support brands that tell the truth. That pays artisans fairly. That keeps the craft alive.
Let’s Talk About
Honestly, I want to hear what you think. Do you think Prada did enough with their edited caption? Should they have done more? Where do we draw the line between inspiration and stealing? Would you still buy these sandals? Do you look for brands that give credit?
I’d really love to see us talk about this more. Because fashion isn’t just about clothes or shoes. It’s about people. It’s about stories.
And I think we can all agree: the most beautiful thing about fashion is that it’s meant to connect us, not erase where we came from.