Kolhapuri Chappals Shine on Prada's Global Runway

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Instagram/@prada

Kolhapuri chappals — the famous handmade leather sandals from India — surprised the world by appearing on the runway at Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show in Milan.

The fashion show was full of bold styles. Some models wore leather jackets with shorts, and others had grey suits over bright red turtlenecks. But one thing caught the eyes of many Indian viewers — the models were wearing sandals that looked just like traditional Kolhapuris.

These sandals have a long history in India. They come from the Kolhapur region in Maharashtra and are made by hand by skilled local workers. They are known for their strong build, simple beauty, and comfort. Kolhapuris go all the way back to the 12th century and became more popular when King Shahu Maharaj supported them. Over time, people across India began to wear them with pride.

Today, Kolhapuris are loved by everyone — from fashion lovers and social media stars to Bollywood actors. They have always been a mix of style and tradition. And now, they’ve made it to one of the biggest fashion shows in the world.

While many Indians felt proud seeing their traditional sandals on such a big stage, some were upset that Prada didn’t mention where the sandals came from. This brings up a bigger issue: big fashion brands often use South Asian styles without giving credit to the cultures they come from.

People on social media were quick to point out the sandals' Indian roots. They felt happy but also disappointed — proud to see Indian art and skill being noticed, but wishing that there had been a proper shoutout to the original makers.

Even though Prada didn’t say anything clearly, the fact that these sandals were included says a lot. It shows that Indian handmade fashion has power and charm that can impress even global designers.

Kolhapuris were never made to be fancy or flashy. They were made for daily life — to be strong, simple, and beautiful. Seeing them in Milan proves that true craftsmanship doesn’t follow trends — it creates them.

Even if no one says it out loud, the fashion world is watching — and walking — in India’s footsteps.