The iconic Kolhapuri chappal, a traditional handcrafted leather sandal from Maharashtra and Karnataka, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially registered to two state-run corporations, LIDCOM and LIDKAR. Recently, the footwear was at the centre of controversy after Italian luxury fashion brand Prada showcased a design that closely resembled the chappal during its Spring/Summer 2026 men’s collection.

In June 2025, Italian fashion house Prada showcased its Spring/Summer 2026 men’s collection, where a pair of leather sandals worn by a model drew attention for resembling Maharashtra’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals. The lookalike design sparked outrage on social media and among traditional artisan communities.

The resemblance caught the attention of Indian social media users and artisan communities, prompting criticism and raising questions over intellectual property rights. A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court in response, alleging that Prada’s design infringed upon the GI protection of the Kolhapuri chappals. However, the court dismissed the PIL on July 16, clarifying that only the GI holders, LIDCOM and LIDKAR, have the legal standing to pursue such matters.