Prada in the spotlight in Hong Kong after India's Kolhapuri 'sandal scandal'

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Prada acknowledges the "paternity" of traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals and local artisans are banking on the notoriety to improve sales. Meanwhile, Prada's stock in Hong Kong closed up 1.03% at HK$49.20. Prada presented in a men's fashion show a sandal model very similar to the Kolhapuri sandals, named after a historic city in the state of Maharashtra.

After the photos of the fashion show were leaked, as Reuters writes, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce accused the fashion company of copying the design of the sandals without recognising its attribution to the traditions of local artisans and the criticism on social media went viral. The 'sandal scandal' has led Prada to acknowledge the originality of the traditional Indian product and to say it will organise meetings with the artisans.

In a statement to Reuters released on Tuesday, Prada also said it intends to produce the sandals in India, in collaboration with local manufacturers, if it decides to market them. Prada, the agency recalls, has no physical shop in India and its products are generally reserved for the super-rich - men's leather sandals start at $844, while Kolhapuri can cost as little as $12. The sandals are handmade in small workshops and are normally matched with traditional Indian clothes. By 2021, recalls Reuters, the Indian government said these sandals could reach $1 billion a year in exports.