Miuccia Prada

After a Prada collection featured sandals closely resembling traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals without initially publicly identifying their origins, Indian artisans, politicians and internet users accused the house of cultural appropriation and profiting from traditional craftsmanship without initial acknowledgement.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

A figurine from the Pradamalia range displayed in New York was criticised for resembling racist 'Sambo' caricatures. Prada withdrew the products, apologised and became subject to an investigation by the New York City Commission on Human Rights.

PETA and Pamela Anderson publicly urged Miuccia Prada to abandon animal fur entirely, considering the gradual reduction of its use insufficient. The campaign was part of wider pressure on the luxury industry.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Miuccia Prada, like Patrizio Bertelli, was investigated over tax matters linked to the group's international structure and income declarations. The group reached a substantial tax settlement, and the two executives paid additional sums personally.

Attribution

Directly implicated

A former Prada Japan executive accused the company of discrimination and harassment, alleging, among other things, that a manager had sought to remove female employees deemed too old, overweight or unattractive. The case received extensive international coverage.