Kolhapuri Sandals: Prada and the Cultural Appropriation Controversy
商品編號：W46323
出版日期：2025/12/22
再版日期：
商品來源：
商品主題：General Management/Strategy; Marketing
商品類型：Case (Pub Mat)
涵蓋議題：international marketing;marketing ethics;ethics;luxury brands
難易度：4 - Undergraduate/MBA
內容長度：8 頁
地域：India, Italy
產業：Retail Trade
事件年度：2025
At Milan Fashion Week’s spring/summer menswear show in June 2025, Prada S.p.A. (Prada) ignited a major controversy when it featured open-toe braided leather sandals that were nearly identical to traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. Despite the Kolhapuri chappal’s centuries-old heritage and its 2019 geographical Indication status, Prada described its sandals simply as “leather footwear,” failing to credit their Indian origin. This omission led to widespread accusations of cultural appropriation, exploitation, and design theft, particularly given the stark contrast between the sandals’ luxury price tag of around US$1,200 and the modest cost of authentic Kolhapuris. The backlash from Indian artisans, politicians, and the public was intense, eventually compelling Prada to issue a belated statement acknowledging the sandals’ Indian inspiration. The incident raised questions about ethical leadership and stakeholder engagement, prompting a global discussion on the responsibility of international brands to celebrate—rather than appropriate—traditional craftsmanship and to ensure equitable recognition for the original creators.
教學手冊：Kolhapuri Sandals: Prada and the Cultural Appropriation Controversy - Teaching Note
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