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Kolhapuri appeared in Prada’s Men’s show in Milan and Vir Das joked that if someone pays $1300 for these chappals, they deserve a visit from an Indian mother
After the backlash, Prada admitted that their collection featured Kolhapuri. (Photo Credits: X)
India has always influenced fashion, but it often goes unnoticed. Now, the traditional leather sandals, Kolhapuri, appeared in Prada’s Men’s 2026 show in Milan. While experts call it creative styling, many Indians are upset, feeling the brand copied their heritage without giving credit. The debate got even louder when actor and comedian Vir Das joined in and joked that if someone pays $1300 for these chappals, they deserve a visit from an Indian mother to teach them a lesson.
Taking to X (Formerly Twitter), the Delhi Belly star wrote, “If you spend 1300 dollars on Prada’s ripped off Kolhapuri chappals, the fee should include a visit from an Indian mother who shows up, and beats you with them.”
If you spend 1300 dollars on Pradas ripped off Kolhapuri chappals, the fee should include a visit from an Indian mother who shows up, and beats you with them.— Vir Das (@thevirdas) June 27, 2025
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “If only Prada knew the weaponic history of the Chappal, Pravda would’ve been too woke to appropriate the design.”
Another shared, “Paid $1300 for something every Indian kid got for free, with better range, more precision, and zero refunds. Respect the OG weapon.”
“I would dip that chappal in Gobar first before handing it to aunty,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “Yaar, mothers won’t use Kolhapur chappals lest they get damaged. For that special purpose, there were always some ‘cheap & best’ hawai chappals bought off a thela which came into the streets on Sundays.”
Another asked, “Since the brand’s a Prada, will the whacking be called first class treatment? Or 5 star experience?”
One more added, “My mom once slapped me for buying Rs 50 roadside momos. Imagine her reaction to $1300 chappals.”
After the backlash, Prada finally admitted that their 2026 Men’s collection featured Kolhapuri chappals as part of the design. Lorenzo Bertelli, a representative from the brand, told Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), “We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men’s 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.”
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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Delhi, India, India
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