Karnataka Minister Kharge Criticises Prada Appropriating Kolhapuri Chappals, ‘Artisans Should Not Be Sidelined’

Following the controversy over Italian luxury brand Prada's use of footwear resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Karnataka Minister of Rural Development, Priyank Kharge, emphasised that the names, work, and legacy of the state's artisans who craft these iconic chappals should be recognised, not sidelined. 

In a statement he posted on X on Sunday, he stated that few people were aware that a large number of artisans who made the iconic chappals actually resided in Karnataka’s Athani, Nippani, Chikkodi, Raibag, and other parts of Belgavi, Bagalkot, and Dharwad.

He added that Prada was selling what were essentially Kolhapuri chappals for Rs 1.2 Lakh a pair.

Adding to this he said that the artisans had been making these chappals for generations, selling them in nearby towns, especially Kolhapur, which became the default market and over time, the brand.

Kharge recalled how, when he was the Social Welfare Minister, they saw Maharashtra pushing for sole Geographical Indication tag rights over Kolhapuris. The tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess reputation that are essentially due to that origin.

"Through Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDKAR), a state-owned establishment that sells leather products, we contested this and fought to ensure Karnataka's artisans were not left out. I'm proud to say we succeeded. The GI tag was finally granted jointly to four districts each in Karnataka and Maharashtra,” he mentioned.

He continued to say that this was never about a contest between the two states but about preserving the shared heritage and giving the artisans legal recognition they deserved.

The minister expressed that this Prada episode is a reminder that the GI tag recognition alone is not enough, and stressed the importance of cultural entrepreneurship. He emphasised on the need to invest in skilling, branding, design innovation, and global market access for these artisans. 

“They don't just deserve credit, they deserve better prices, wider exposure, and the chance to build lasting, dignified livelihoods from their craft,” he said.

Further adding that when international fashion houses adopt Indian designs, names, work, and legacy of the artisans should be showcased, not sidelined.

"The GI tag only gives them legal rights. It's now our responsibility to give them global platforms," he said.