After Kolhapuri controversy, Prada in trouble again for "copying" Indian juttis

Prada is selling a new shoe called ‘Antiqued Leather Pumps’. They are high-heeled shoes made of leather, and many people say they look just like Indian juttis. (Image: prada)

Italian fashion house Prada is embroiled in a fresh controversy. After the social media uproar recently when it showcased Kolhapuri chappals at a fashion show in Milan without giving credit to India (the brand eventually admitted its mistake and even visited Kolhapur to meet local shoe-makers), it is again in the news for selling a new shoe called 'Antiqued Leather Pumps'. Many are saying that these high-heeled shoes made of leather look uncannily similar to traditional Indian juttis from Punjab and Rajasthan.

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After a complaint by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA), Prada gave credit to Indian artisans and said they would work with them.

While traditional juttis are flat, Prada's version is a stiletto heel. The brand calls this design 'unconventional and original', but local shopkeepers and artisans in India are angry. A local shopkeeper in Amritsar, Akash, told India today that they sell real Punjaabi juttis and Kolhapuri chappals between Rs 400 and Rs. 2000 and they work very hard to earn a living. He said, “Many artisans and shopkeepers rely on this work to support their families. But now, Prada is copying the Punjabi jutti and plans to sell it for lakhs of rupees, which is a severe blow to our cultural heritage."

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Mixed reactions from experts
While some shoe designers say that Prada's pumps are "inspired" by Indian juttis and not an exact copy, there are many who say that the shape and design remind them of the Indian version. There are, however, few differences: From the raw leather edges and visible stitching. Sukrit Khanna. founder of footwear brand Artimen, told India Today: "I liked the Prada pumps but don't see them as “Indianised”. I would associate them with Rajasthani juttis only to some extent."