If you have lived in Mumbai or even Maharashtra, the Kolhapuri chappal, originating from the city of Kolhapur, is the perfect example of regional style statement. It not only boasts of unique design, that is often taken for granted by many, but also comfort factor, while letting your feet breathe. Growing up with this very feeling, Mumbai-based lawyer has worn them for as long as he can remember and even paired it with so many different combinations. 

Kolhapuri chappals go global
So, imagine when a Italian luxury fashion brand like Prada showcases them on the fashion runway for their Men's Spring Summer 2026 collection, it obviously went viral because people couldn’t believe their eyes. Leons being one of them, explains, “Honestly, I have been wearing Kolhapuris with denims since childhood. In fact, I’d get them specially made from shops in Kolhapur through an uncle. People would laugh, call it “gaothi” or too desi. And now? Prada’s flaunting it down a global runway. Funny how fashion works… what was once “local” is now “luxury” but as always without giving the indigenous craftsmen due credit.

It only gets worse because they are reportedly being sold for more than Rs 1 lakh, when it is easily available at only a few hundreds in major metros in India. Interestingly, the handmade Kolhapuri chappals, also has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which was given to it by the Indian government in 2019.