“Mom Will Scold with This!” Prada to Sell India’s Kolhapuri Chappals for ₹84,000, Netizens React

India is known for its unique culture, and now one of its most iconic creations—the Kolhapuri chappal—is making waves globally. Luxury fashion brand Prada is set to sell these traditional Indian sandals for a staggering ₹84,000, sparking reactions across social media.

Kolhapuri Chappals Go Global

Kolhapuri chappals have been handcrafted in India for centuries. Their journey to the international stage began when Prada showcased them at a recent fashion show. Initially, the brand faced criticism for not crediting India as the origin of these sandals. After public backlash, Prada officially acknowledged that the design was inspired by Indian craftsmanship and gave full credit to the artisans.

Price Tag and Launch

According to Reuters, Prada’s marketing head Lorenzo Bertelli stated that the first collection will include 2,000 pairs, each priced at approximately $930 (around ₹84,000). The sandals will be available from February 2026 at 40 stores worldwide as well as on online platforms. The collaboration also includes training programs to further enhance the skills of Indian artisans.

Government Praise

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the partnership in a press conference on December 11. He noted that the intricate handcrafted designs of Kolhapuri chappals are so remarkable that they could potentially generate $1 billion in exports.

Netizens React

The price tag has left many people astonished. Social media users joked, “Mom will scold me with this chappal!” Others commented that purchasing it might empty one’s wallet, while some questioned how much the artisans would earn. Many expressed their preference for buying similar sandals from local markets instead of paying a hefty price for a luxury brand.

A Brief History

Kolhapuri chappals trace their origins back to the 13th century. King Bijjal and his minister Basavanna commissioned cobblers to craft these sandals, which later became associated with Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, these chappals have remained a symbol of India’s rich artisanal heritage.