Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada has publicly acknowledged the ancient Indian roots of its new sandal design following a wave of criticism from Indian artisans and politicians.

The design, which resembles the traditional Kolhapuri slippers dating back to the 12th century, sparked outrage over the lack of recognition from the Italian brand.

The controversy began when images from Prada’s fashion show in Milan last weekend featured models wearing leather sandals with braided designs reminiscent of the Indian handmade footwear.

This led to a flurry of criticism in the media and protests from lawmakers who felt that Prada had failed to acknowledge the Indian influence on their design.

In response, Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada’s owners and head of corporate social responsibility, wrote a letter to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce recognizing the sandal's inspiration from traditional Indian handcrafted footwear.

Bertelli stated that while it was unclear whether the sandals would be commercialized, Prada is open to 'dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisans.'

Prada has also issued a statement acknowledging the sandal’s connection to India, emphasizing their appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage.

Despite the high price point of Prada's products in comparison to the more affordable Kolhapuri slippers, the brand is seeking to engage with Indian craftsmen.

This incident highlights the growing global recognition of Indian culture and craftsmanship within luxury brands.

As the Indian luxury market continues to grow, it remains a significant influence on international fashion designs.