Italian luxury house Prada is set to officially launch a limited-edition collection inspired by India’s traditional leather sandals, Kolhapuri chappals. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with two Indian government-backed leather industry organizations: LIDCOM in Maharashtra and LIDKAR in Karnataka.
MoU was signed at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, formalizing the partnership. Under the agreement, skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka will manufacture the sandals using traditional techniques, which will then be combined with Prada’s contemporary design language and premium materials.
The collection, titled “PRADA Made in India × Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” is scheduled to launch in February 2026, debuting across 40 Prada flagship stores worldwide as well as on the brand’s official e-commerce platform. The initial production run will consist of 2,000 pairs, each expected to retail at approximately €800.
From Cultural Criticism to Collaboration
The collaboration follows cultural criticism that emerged after Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show, presented in June 2025. During the show, the brand unveiled toe-ring leather sandals that closely resembled the centuries-old Kolhapuri chappals, prompting widespread backlash on social media.
Kolhapuri chappals are a hallmark of Indian craftsmanship and were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, recognizing their cultural and regional significance. In response to the show, artisan groups and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce called for proper attribution, while several public figures, including Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor, voiced concerns over the lack of acknowledgment of the footwear’s Indian origins.
Following the backlash, Prada issued a public statement and dispatched a technical team to Kolhapur to engage directly with local artisans. These discussions ultimately led to the formal partnership announced this week.
A New Chapter in Prada’s “Made In…” Project
The initiative is positioned as part of Prada’s long-running “Made In…” project, launched more than a decade ago to celebrate and preserve artisanal excellence around the world by integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Prada Group, commented: “Our collaboration with Lidcom and Lidkar stems from a meaningful cultural exchange, where every voice contributed to creating not just a product, but a broader initiative. We are proud to announce the launch of this collection, and we are committed to develop training programs supporting Indian artisans and ensuring that their exceptional craftsmanship secures its place in today’s evolving industry.”
Three-Year Training Program to Support Artisans
At the core of the collaboration is a three-year artisan development program. Prada Group plans to provide training opportunities both locally in India and at the Prada Group Academy in Italy, with the goal of preserving traditional techniques while enhancing contemporary production skills.
Prerna Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM, noted that Prada’s involvement could significantly boost demand for Kolhapuri craftsmanship while restoring pride among artisan communities.
Indian Government Sees Billion-Dollar Potential
The partnership has also been welcomed by the Indian government. Speaking to PTI, Piyush Goyal, India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, expressed optimism about the future of Kolhapuri chappals as a global export category.
“I had always envisaged Kolhapuri chappals to be able to do an export of USD 1 billion from India. And that’s the potential that I would like both sides to collaborate and work towards.”
Goyal emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals are not merely a traditional craft but have the potential to evolve into a global brand in their own right.
Toward a Model of Respectful Collaboration
Prada’s decision signals a clear departure from treating culture merely as a source of inspiration. Instead, it reflects an approach rooted in listening, safeguarding skills, and sharing dignity. In an increasingly globalized fashion industry, this project stands as one example of “respectful collaboration,” demonstrating how heritage, craftsmanship, and modern luxury can coexist within a more equitable relationship.
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