BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has reached out to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting that he safeguard the Geographical Indication (GI) status of Kolhapuri chappals after the Italian fashion label Prada presented the traditional shoes without proper credit.
The controversy began when Prada showcased Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Men’s Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week, pricing them at ₹1.2 lakh. The luxury brand did so without crediting the footwear’s Indian roots, the artisans behind it, or its cultural heritage. Designer and activist Mahadik criticised the move, claiming it violated the Artisan Act and ignored India’s Geographical Indication (GI) protections.
Kolhapuri chappals, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Indian government in 2019, trace their origins back to the 12th century. These traditional sandals are handcrafted by cobbler communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Mahadik argued that Prada’s actions not only violate intellectual property rights but also jeopardise the livelihood and respect of countless artisans who depend on this age-old craft.
Describing it as a clear violation of GI regulations, Mahadik urged the state government to escalate the matter both nationally and on international platforms. His son, Krishnaraj Mahadik, accompanied by local community representatives, delivered a formal appeal to Chief Minister Fadnavis.
He also emphasised the urgency of launching awareness drives and initiating legal measures to protect the legacy and distinct identity of Kolhapuri chappals.
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