Prada Launches ‘Made in India’ Sandals, Celebrating Kolhapuri Craft

Italian luxury fashion house Prada has announced a significant collaboration with Indian artisan organizations to create a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by the traditional Kolhapuri Chappal. This partnership formally acknowledges the rich history and craftsmanship behind this iconic footwear, which has been handcrafted for centuries in India.

The partnership was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 19, 2023, at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai. Prada has teamed up with two state-supported agencies: the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) of Maharashtra, along with the Dr Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) of Karnataka. These organizations represent artisan communities across eight districts in both states, where the Kolhapuri Chappal is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans.

The Kolhapuri Chappal received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, highlighting its cultural and artisanal significance. Titled “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” the initiative aims to produce approximately 2,000 pairs of sandals. Each pair will be priced at around €800 (approximately Rs 84,000), representing a notable contrast to the traditionally affordable Kolhapuri sandals available in India.

The collection is set for a global launch in February 2026 and will be available across 40 select Prada stores worldwide as well as the brand’s official e-commerce platform. This initiative follows earlier criticism directed at Prada for debuting a sandal design at its Milan fashion show that closely resembled Kolhapuri Chappals without crediting their Indian origins, sparking allegations of cultural appropriation. The formal partnership is now being positioned as a corrective measure, ensuring recognition and economic benefits for the artisan communities involved in this craft.

Beyond the commercial aspects, the three-year agreement emphasizes skill development and craft preservation. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Prada will implement local training programs aimed at enhancing artisan skills while preserving the authenticity of the GI-tagged craftsmanship.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has welcomed this partnership, describing it as a “truly global collaboration.” He expressed optimism that this international recognition could help increase Kolhapuri chappal exports to US$1 billion annually, firmly placing Indian craftsmanship on the global luxury map.

The collaboration signifies a growing acknowledgment of traditional Indian crafts in the luxury market, offering a promising route for artisans to gain global recognition and economic sustainability through their time-honored skills. This move not only enhances Prada’s brand narrative but also celebrates the cultural heritage of India, making it a noteworthy milestone in the intersection of fashion and tradition.