Our Bureau
Mumbai
Luxury giant Prada has inked a three-year deal with Indian state agencies to launch 2,000 pairs of limited-edition sandals inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals, priced at Rs 84,000 ($939) each. The collection, blending artisanal techniques from Maharashtra and Karnataka with Prada’s design expertise, will hit 40 global stores and online platforms in February 2026. Signed at the Italy-India Business Forum in Mumbai, the partnership with LIDCOM and LIDKAR aims to uplift leather artisans through training and skill-sharing.
The move follows uproar at Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in June, where “Toe Ring Sandals” resembling GI-tagged Kolhapuri footwear—handcrafted by marginalized communities—drew accusations of cultural appropriation. Social media erupted with calls for credit, amplified by artisans, celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, and politicians; even a court plea sought compensation. Prada acknowledged the “centuries-old heritage” inspiration, sparking dialogues that evolved into this collaboration.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s CSR head and CMO, emphasized merging local capabilities with Prada’s methods, including Italian academy training for Indian craftspeople. Officials hail it as ethical recognition, boosting income stability and youth interest in the craft amid replicas’ threat. Part of Prada’s “Made In…” initiative, it spotlights India’s leather legacy without plans for local retail expansion.
