After viral runway photos drew criticism from Indian artisans, Prada admitted its new open-toe sandals were inspired by traditional Kolhapuri designs. Photo: Reuters
Prada is looking to collaborate with "artisanal footwear" makers in India in a partnership, it said on Friday (July 11), two weeks after the Italian luxury group triggered a controversy by debuting ethnic sandals resembling 12th-century Indian ones.
After viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals – named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state, Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.
