Core Viewpoint - Prada faces cultural appropriation controversy over its new sandal design inspired by traditional Indian footwear, leading to public backlash and a subsequent apology from the brand [2][8]. Financial Performance - Prada's revenue growth for the full year 2024 is only 4%, with zero growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025, significantly below market expectations and far behind the growth of its sub-brand Miu Miu [12][14]. - Miu Miu achieved a remarkable 93.2% growth in 2024 and continued with a 60% year-on-year sales increase in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting a stark contrast to Prada's performance [12][14]. Cultural Context - The Kolhapuri sandals, which inspired Prada's design, have a history dating back to the 12th century and are recognized as traditional footwear in India, often used in weddings and special occasions [4]. - The Indian government awarded the Kolhapuri craftsmanship a Geographical Indication (GI) certification in 2019 to protect it from misappropriation [5]. Brand Image and Management - Prada has faced multiple controversies related to its brand ambassadors, which have negatively impacted its brand image and consumer perception [13]. - The sudden announcement of CEO Gianfranco D'Attis's departure in June 2025 raises concerns about the brand's slowing performance and the need for new leadership to revitalize the main brand and restore consumer trust [14].

Core Viewpoint - Prada faces cultural appropriation controversy over its new sandal design inspired by traditional Indian footwear, leading to public backlash and a subsequent apology from the brand [2][6] Group 1: Cultural Appropriation Controversy - The Kolhapuri sandals, which Prada showcased, are traditional Indian footwear with a history dating back to the 12th century, often used in weddings and special occasions [3] - Indian artisans and media criticized Prada for "stealing traditional craftsmanship," prompting a significant public outcry [2][3] - Prada's heir, Lorenzo Bertelli, acknowledged the design's inspiration from Indian traditional shoes and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with local artisans [6] Group 2: Financial Performance - Prada's revenue growth for the full year 2024 was only 4%, with the first quarter of 2025 showing zero growth, which was below market expectations and significantly lower than the growth of its subsidiary Miu Miu [2][8] - Miu Miu achieved a remarkable 93.2% growth in 2024 and continued with a 60% year-over-year sales increase in the first quarter of 2025, contrasting sharply with Prada's stagnation [8] Group 3: Management Changes - Prada announced that CEO Gianfranco D'Attis will leave the company on June 30, 2025, with Andrea Guerra temporarily taking over management of the Prada brand until a new CEO is appointed [9] - The departure of D'Attis is speculated to be linked to the slowdown in Prada's performance, highlighting the need for new leadership to revitalize the brand [9]

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Prada's new leather sandals, which are criticized for resembling traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals, highlights issues of cultural appropriation and the protection of traditional craftsmanship [1][2]. Group 1: Product and Design - Prada launched a new leather sandal during the Milan Fashion Week as part of its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, which has been accused of closely resembling the Kolhapuri sandals from India [1]. - The Kolhapuri sandals are handmade and typically priced around $10, while Prada's version retails for $1,200, raising concerns about the appropriation of traditional designs for commercial gain [1]. Group 2: Cultural Response - Indian artisans and cultural observers have expressed outrage, claiming that Prada's design constitutes "cultural appropriation" and a theft of their traditional craftsmanship [2]. - A delegation of artisans from Maharashtra has met with local government officials to demand action to protect their rights and hold Prada accountable for the alleged design theft [2]. Group 3: Legal and Ethical Considerations - Despite the Kolhapuri sandals receiving geographical indication (GI) certification in India, which protects the name and production methods within the country, this protection does not extend globally, allowing foreign brands to draw inspiration without facing legal consequences [2]. - Legal experts indicate that unless Prada explicitly uses the term "Kolhapuri," it would be challenging to prevent similar incidents through international law [2].