00:00Love for Craft, Culture, and Connection, Prada's Kolhapuri Chapal Moment
00:04In a world where fashion often dances between inspiration and imitation,
00:09love for culture has taken center stage, and this time it's all about the soulful story behind the Kolhapuri Chapals.
00:16Prada, the iconic Italian luxury brand, has opened its heart, and its archives,
00:21to acknowledge that the eye-catching open-toe leather sandals featured in its spring-summer 2026 menswear show at Milan Fashion Week
00:28were, in fact, inspired by the timeless beauty of Kolhapuri Chapals,
00:33those handcrafted treasures born from generations of Indian artisanship.
00:37The revelation comes after waves of emotions swept across India,
00:41from artisans to officials, from social media to government offices,
00:44all echoing one heartfelt plea, acknowledge our roots, honor our craft.
00:50These aren't just sandals, they are stories stitched in leather,
00:53legacies passed down through families in Maharashtra and Karnataka,
00:57Known for their intricate weaving and unmatched comfort,
01:01Kolhapuri Chapals are more than footwear, they are cultural icons,
01:04protected under India's geographical indication, GI, tag since 2019.
01:10Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada Group,
01:14responded with grace and openness.
01:15We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.
01:19In a heartfelt letter addressed to Lalit Gandhi,
01:23President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Makia,
01:28Bertelli acknowledged the emotional weight behind the design
01:31and emphasized that the collection is still in early development stages.
01:35No pieces have been finalized or approved for production yet.
01:38But what truly touched hearts was Prada's willingness to engage further.
01:42We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement,
01:47and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.
01:52Imagine a world where global fashion doesn't just take inspiration,
01:56but gives back love, credit, and opportunity.
02:00Where international giants like Prada don't just borrow beauty, but help amplify it.
02:04By collaborating with the very hands that shaped the original dream.
02:08This moment isn't just about controversy, it's about connection.
02:13It's about respecting centuries-old traditions while walking forward into a future
02:17where creativity and culture walk hand in hand.
02:20And as artisans from Kolhapur stood before Maharashtra's chief minister,
02:24demanding protection of their heritage, the message rang clear.
02:28These chapals are not only symbols of pride.
02:31They are livelihoods, lifelines, and legacies.
02:35So here's to Prada for listening.
02:36Here's to India for standing tall.
02:39And here's to a future where love for culture becomes the trend we all follow.
02:42Because when fashion meets respect, the world looks more beautiful.
02:46One step at a time.
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