Spotted on the runway at Milan Fashion Week: sleek tan leather sandals with thin straps, toe rings, and a flat sole. But wait—don’t they look familiar?
Luxury fashion house Prada has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, and among the 56 looks presented, at least seven featured footwear that strongly resembles something many Indians have had in their wardrobes for decades: the classic Kolhapuri chappal.
What caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the design — it was the price tag. Listed on Prada’s official website as “Leather Flat Sandals”, the pair is priced at a whopping ₹1.16 lakh (approx. $1,390). 
Crafted in tan leather with minimalistic elegance, the sandals were styled with summer-ready outfits on the Milan runway. The footwear fits perfectly with the global trend of revisiting vintage, handcrafted silhouettes — but the familiarity of this particular style had many doing a double scroll online.
In India, Kolhapuri chappals are widely available, often handmade, and known for their timeless charm. They’re a staple in many wardrobes — worn with everything from kurtas to jeans — and typically range from ₹500 to ₹5,000 depending on quality and detailing.
Prada hasn’t described the design’s inspiration, but its resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri has definitely sparked curiosity.
Fashion lovers and social media users are asking the obvious:
Is the world just discovering what India’s been wearing all along?
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