Prada’s Latest Shoes Look Like Indian Juttis — But With A Designer Price Tag

Italian fashion giant Prada is facing criticism in India once more. This time, the controversy surrounds their 'Antiqued Leather Pumps,' which many believe resemble traditional Indian juttis. Previously, Prada had stirred a similar debate with Kolhapuris, leading to backlash and eventual acknowledgment of the footwear's origins.

On Prada's website, these pumps are available in various colours and designs. However, one pair in particular closely resembles Indian juttis. The brand describes them as having "an original and unconventional design" made from calfskin. The pumps feature a pointy-toe silhouette with visible stitching and raw-cut edges.

Local Artisans React

In Amritsar, shopkeepers involved in the Punjabi jutti trade are upset by this development. Akash, a local shopkeeper, expressed concern over the impact on their livelihood. He mentioned that artisans and shopkeepers depend on selling Punjabi juttis and Kolhapuri chappals priced between Rs 400 and Rs 2,000.

"Many artisans and shopkeepers rely on this work to support their families. But now, Prada is copying the Punjabi jutti and plans to sell it for lakhs of rupees, which is a severe blow to their cultural heritage. He added that the Indian government should take strict action on this issue," he told India Today.

Footwear Experts Weigh In

Footwear experts have shared their insights on the matter. Rashmi Tomar, a footwear designer, noted that while most of Prada's antiqued leather pumps don't evoke a jutti vibe, one pair does seem inspired by Indian juttis, particularly resembling Rajasthani mojaris.

"These women pumps are not exactly a copy, but they look definitely inspired by Indian juttis, such as the mojari from Rajasthan or the juttis from Punjab, in their toe shape and upper silhouette," Rashmi Tomar tells India Today Digital.

Previous Controversies

This isn't Prada's first brush with controversy over cultural appropriation. Recently, they showcased Kolhapuris internationally without acknowledging their Indian roots. The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce lodged a complaint, prompting Prada to credit Kolhapuris properly and engage with local artisans.

Sukrit Khanna of Artimen commented on the pumps' design. He appreciated them but didn't immediately see them as "Indianised." He associated them with Rajasthani juttis only to some extent.

The brand has yet to comment on the current controversy surrounding the juttis-inspired pumps. As discussions continue online and among industry experts, many await Prada's response to these concerns about cultural heritage and appropriation.