'Do they have gold in them?': The Indian artisans up in arms over Prada's sandals

Indian artisans in Kolhapur, Maharashtra are upset over luxury brand Prada's sandals that resemble the iconic Kolhapuri leather sandals. Prada faced backlash for not acknowledging the origins of the design, prompting calls for better recognition of the craft and its cultural legacy. The controversy highlights the need for stronger protections for artisans, with Kolhapuri sandals receiving a Geographical Indication in India. Industry experts advocate for institutional frameworks to safeguard artisans' rights and suggest exploring global intellectual property rights agreements to prevent unauthorized imitation of traditional designs.