Radhika Gupta, the CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, has sparked an online debate by criticizing the luxury fashion brand Prada for showcasing sandals that closely resemble India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Gupta took to social media to express her disappointment, stating that Prada is selling these sandals for over ₹1 lakh without giving due credit to the original artisans. She emphasized the need for Indians to preserve, brand, and benefit from their own cultural wealth, rather than letting global brands profit from it.
Gupta’s remarks quickly went viral, with many others joining the conversation to call for the recognition and preservation of India’s textile heritage. Billionaire Harsh Goenka also weighed in on the issue, criticizing Prada for selling products that look like Kolhapuri chappals at such a high price tag. He noted that Indian artisans make the same products by hand for a fraction of the cost, but are often overlooked in favor of global brands.
The controversy surrounding Prada’s Kolhapuri-inspired sandals began after the brand launched its Spring/Summer 2026 men’s collection. The sandals in question are open-toe, braided leather footwear that bear a striking resemblance to Kolhapuris, a GI-tagged handcrafted footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka. In response to the backlash, Prada has scheduled a virtual meeting with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) to explore potential collaborations, including co-branded collections and skill development initiatives.
Gupta’s comments highlight the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in the textile and handicraft sectors. She emphasized that every child knows about global brands like Prada and Gucci, but few are aware of Indian brands like Himroo, Sambalpuri, or Narayanpet. By promoting and preserving India’s cultural wealth, Gupta believes that Indians can benefit from their own heritage and prevent global brands from profiting from it without proper credit or compensation. The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about cultural appropriation and the importance of recognizing and respecting traditional craftsmanship.