Bengaluru, Jun 30 (PTI) Amid controversy over Italian luxury brand 'Prada' featuring footwear resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge emphasised that the names, work, and legacy of the state’s artisans who craft these iconic chappals must be recognised, not sidelined.
Taking a dig at the brand, he pointed out that Prada is essentially selling Kolhapuri chappals for Rs 1.2 lakh a pair.
In a post on 'X' on Sunday, Kharge highlighted that many of the artisans behind these handcrafted chappals live in Karnataka's Athani, Nippani, Chikkodi, Raibag, and other parts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Dharwad districts.
"They’ve been making these chappals for generations, selling them in nearby towns, especially Kolhapur, which became the default market and, over time, the brand," he said.
Facing backlash, Prada later acknowledged the connection, stating that the design is “inspired” by Indian handcrafted footwear. The fashion house clarified that the sandals featured in its men's 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and have not been finalised for commercial sale.
Kharge also recalled how, during his tenure as Social Welfare Minister of Karnataka opposed Maharashtra's attempt to claim sole GI tag rights over Kolhapuris.
"Through LIDKAR, the state-owned leather products corporation, we fought to ensure Karnataka's artisans were not left out. I’m proud to say we succeeded," he said.
The GI tag was eventually granted jointly to four districts each in Karnataka and Maharashtra. "This was never a contest between the two states but about preserving our shared heritage and giving our artisans the legal recognition they deserve," Kharge added.
According to officials, Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDKAR) was established by the Karnataka government in 1976 with the main objective of developing the leather industry in the state and uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Caste leather artisans.
The Minister said the Prada episode is a reminder that GI tag recognition alone isn’t enough and stressed the importance of cultural entrepreneurship.
"We need to invest in skilling, branding, design innovation, and global market access for these artisans. They don’t just deserve credit—they deserve better prices, wider exposure, and the chance to build lasting, dignified livelihoods from their craft," he said.
When international fashion houses adopt our designs, the names, work, and legacy of our artisans should be showcased, not sidelined, said Priyank Kharge.
"The GI tag only gives them legal rights. It’s now our responsibility to give them global platforms," he added.