Union Minister of Commerce and Business Piyush Goyal on Friday mentioned India will now obtain rightful credit score for the design of Kolhapuri chappals when they’re exported, asserting that the long-lasting footwear is a Geographical Indication (GI) product of the nation.
“When a worldwide model used the design of our Kolhapuri chappals, the Commerce Ministry instantly took motion on it. Going ahead, when the Kolhapuri chappal is exported, India will get due credit score for its design. It’s India’s GI product,” mentioned Goyal whereas talking in regards to the India-UK Free Commerce Settlement (FTA).
The assertion comes after international luxurious model Prada sparked an argument by showcasing Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Males’s Spring Assortment at Milan Style Week, priced at Rs 1.2 lakh. The model made no reference to the chappals’ Indian roots, the artisans who craft them, or their cultural significance.
He added that international manufacturers are more and more excited by associating with Indian merchandise. “Many international manufacturers are expressing their want to affiliate their names with Indian merchandise and promote them in international markets. The Kolhapuri Chappal can have a enterprise of Rs 8000–10000 crores within the worldwide market,” he mentioned.
Kolhapuri chappals have been granted a GI tag by the Authorities of India in 2019. The handmade leather-based footwear traces its origin again to the twelfth century and is historically crafted by cobbler communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Lately, actor Kareena Kapoor additionally took a swipe on the vogue label for allegedly copying the design. Sharing an image of herself sporting the normal footwear, she captioned it, “Sorry not Prada however my OG Kolhapuri,” making her stance clear.
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