Paris, July 2025 — When Prada unveiled its new line of leather flats, it likely hoped for praise, not protest. But in India, fashion lovers saw something different — what looked like a Prada Punjabi jutti, minus the Punjabi story.
The internet lit up with accusations of cultural appropriation. “If it walks like a jutti and stitches like a jutti, it is a jutti,” tweeted one fashion blogger. Others slammed the global luxury brand for borrowing traditional Indian footwear aesthetics — especially from Punjab’s handmade jutti craft — without giving due credit.
Why the Prada Punjabi Jutti Looks Familiar
Prada’s controversial design features pointed toes, intricate embroidery, and earthy colors — all signature traits of the Punjabi jutti, a heritage footwear form dating back centuries. For generations, Punjabi artisans have handcrafted these shoes using leather, threadwork, and regional motifs. Yet Prada’s promotional material didn’t acknowledge that lineage.
What made matters worse was that this wasn’t Prada’s first misstep. Just a few months ago, the brand faced similar criticism over its “Kolhapuri-inspired” sandals, eerily resembling Maharashtra’s iconic chappals. That controversy, too, snowballed on social media and drew sharp responses from Indian designers.
Prada Responds: Mumbai Visit and Quiet Edits
Facing heat again, Prada tried to do damage control. The brand’s team reportedly visited Mumbai in early July, meeting with local artisans and textile experts to understand the heritage they were accused of copying. In a rare move, Prada quietly edited their Instagram captions, adding credit lines like “inspired by Indian artisanship.”
Some praised the gesture, but many called it too little, too late. “This is not appreciation, this is appropriation dressed in couture,” said an editorial in Elle India.
More Than Fashion: Why the Prada Punjabi Jutti Matters
This isn’t just a case of aesthetic borrowing — it’s about ownership and power. While global brands sell such designs for hundreds of euros, the Punjabi karigars (craftsmen) behind the original juttis still struggle with low wages and limited recognition.
The Prada Punjabi jutti controversy highlights how luxury fashion can exploit regional identity without acknowledging its roots. These juttis are worn at weddings, harvest festivals, and religious ceremonies — not just shoes, but memory and meaning stitched in leather.
When a brand like Prada uses such symbols without acknowledgment, it feels like cultural erasure.
What Happens Next?
The Prada Punjabi jutti incident has reignited debates about ethical fashion, copyright in design, and the responsibilities of global labels. Should fashion houses consult and collaborate before launching regionally inspired collections? Should artisans be given co-creator credits and royalties?
Some Indian designers like Anita Dongre and Rahul Mishra have called for legal protection of traditional designs, much like geographical indication (GI) tags.
Think Prada crossed the line with its so-called ‘Punjabi jutti’?
See how people are reacting on Instagram — and don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments.
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FAQs
Q1. What is the Prada Punjabi jutti controversy?
Prada launched a shoe design resembling traditional Punjabi juttis without crediting Indian artisans, triggering global backlash.
Q2. Did Prada copy Kolhapuri chappals too?
Yes, earlier in 2025, Prada was accused of copying Kolhapuri chappals, leading to similar cultural appropriation concerns.
Q3. How did Prada respond to the Punjabi jutti criticism?
They visited Mumbai, met Indian artisans, and updated captions to include credit — but faced criticism for the delay.
Q4. Why is the Punjabi jutti culturally important?
The jutti is a symbol of Punjabi heritage and pride, often handmade and worn during important cultural events.
Q5. What’s the bigger issue beyond design copying?
Global fashion brands profit from traditional Indian aesthetics without credit or compensation to the original creators.
