Prada’s Sandal Scandal

When global luxury brand Prada showcased sandals nearly identical to India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals at Milan Fashion Week without acknowledging their origins, it sparked a worldwide conversation about cultural respect and fairness. This ESL news article for students explores the controversy surrounding the company’s initial failure to credit centuries of artisan tradition. Through this lesson, students discover how social media amplified the outcry and forced meaningful dialogue about exploitation and recognition in the fashion industry. The material explains geographical indication protections, cultural appropriation, and why companies should respect traditional knowledge. By examining Prada’s journey from controversy to collaboration with Indian artisans, students gain insights into how global brands can build ethical partnerships while learning essential vocabulary for discussing cultural issues in English.