Prada Launches Limited-Edition Sandals Celebrating Indian Craftsmanship

Italian luxury fashion house Prada has announced a significant collaboration with Indian artisan bodies to produce a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by the traditional Kolhapuri Chappal. This initiative marks a formal recognition of the centuries-old craftsmanship associated with these iconic sandals. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 19, 2023, at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai.

Under this agreement, Prada has joined forces with two state-backed organizations: the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) of Maharashtra, and the Dr Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) of Karnataka. These entities represent artisan communities across eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, where the Kolhapuri Chappals are meticulously handcrafted.

The Kolhapuri Chappal was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, underscoring its cultural and artisanal significance. The upcoming collection, titled “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” aims to produce approximately 2,000 pairs of sandals. Each pair will be priced at around €800 (approximately Rs 84,000), a stark contrast to the more affordable traditional versions available in India.

This collection is set for a global launch in February 2026, with availability in 40 selected Prada stores worldwide and on the brand’s official e-commerce platform. The decision to collaborate follows previous criticism aimed at Prada for showcasing a sandal design at its Milan fashion show that closely resembled Kolhapuri Chappals, without acknowledging their origins, leading to accusations of cultural appropriation.

This formal partnership is positioned as a corrective measure, ensuring recognition and direct economic benefits for the artisan communities behind the craft. Beyond the commercial aspects, the three-year agreement emphasizes long-term goals of skill development and preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Prada’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm will implement local training programs aimed at enhancing artisan skills while preserving the authenticity of the GI-tagged craftsmanship.

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

Prada’s initiative signifies a notable shift towards embracing and uplifting traditional crafts, potentially setting a precedent for luxury brands to engage in meaningful partnerships that benefit local artisans. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this may pave the way for a deeper appreciation of heritage crafts and their role in contemporary fashion.