Heritage Reclaimed |
When Prada unveiled a pair of luxury sandals whose braided leather pattern mirrored the Kolhapuri chappal, it triggered an unusually sharp public reaction. For once, the charge of cultural appropriation did not drift through the usual academic channels ~ it went straight to the streets of Kolhapur and Athani, where artisans who have preserved this medieval craft for generations felt their work had been purloined without acknowledgment. Now, with Prada set to launch a “Made in India ~ Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” line produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the story has taken a far more interesting turn.
It offers India an opportunity to examine what global recognition truly means ~ and what it should mean ~ for traditional craftsmanship. Prada’s new initiative is being framed as a partnership, complete with a five-year agreement, collaborative production, and training programmes. Around 200 artisans will........