Our Bureau
Mumbai
Prada is getting sued for their luxury flat leather sandals that draw a huge resemblance to India’s Kolhapuri sandals. There is a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the Italian fashion house in the Bombay High Court and has asked them to compensate artisans of the footwear from whom they have allegedly copied the design.
Prada faced serious backlash on the internet for its leather flat sandals that were featured at the recent Milan runway show and were priced at a whooping amount of Rs. 1.2 lakhs. People alleged that the luxury brand had blatantly copied Kolhapuri Chappals from India without even mentioning them.
As per the petitioner, Ganesh Hingmire, the luxury brand only privately accepted that their collection was inspired by the Indian footwear after they realised the huge backlash that they were getting. He has also claimed that they give this acknowledgment to a private entry rather than the makers of the traditional footwear, Geographical Indication (GI) Registry.
“The Kolhapuri chappal is the cultural symbol of Maharashtra and has special public sentiments attached to it. The brand has privately accepted that its collection is “inspired by Indian artisans”; however, this acknowledgment surfaced only after facing widespread backlash on various social media platforms. This acknowledgment was given to the private entity and not to the applicant, makers of Kolhapuri Chappal, Geographical Indication (GI) Registry, government, or the public at large,” the petition read.
Mr Hingmire also added, “The brand has not yet issued any formal apology along with damages, compensation, and an entitled remedy, and the statement appears to be merely a superficial attempt to deflect criticism.”
Through the petition Mr. Hingmire has asked the court to ensure that the artisan association and the international brand collaborate in this venture and also share the revenue generated through this venture. He stated that this petition will prevent such luxury brands from imitating local products and take advantage of local producers.
