Our Bureau
Mumbai
Italian luxury fashion house Prada has announced the launch of a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, sparking both excitement and debate over cultural appreciation versus appropriation.
The brand will produce exactly 2,000 pairs of handcrafted sandals in Maharashtra and Karnataka, working with local artisans through a partnership finalized on December 11, 2025, at the Italy-India Business Forum 2025. Each pair is priced at around €750 (approximately $881).
Lorenzo Bertelli, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Prada, said the collection aims to “combine the original manufacturer’s standard capabilities with our own production techniques” while celebrating India’s leather craftsmanship. The project includes a three-year artisan training partnership to support local skilled workers.
The sandals will go on sale in 40 Prada stores worldwide and through the brand’s online platforms. The open-toe slip-on design closely resembles the iconic Kolhapuri flats long made by artisans in western India.
This launch comes less than a year after Prada faced serious backlash for showcasing similar designs without acknowledging their Indian origins. The new “Made in India” collection is reportedly an effort to mend ties and give proper credit to traditional craftsmanship.
A traditional Kolhapuri chappal typically costs between ₹300 and ₹2,000, making Prada’s version nearly 60 to 400 times more expensive.
The collection has already generated widespread discussion on social media, with many asking if luxury brands should pay homage without pricing out the very communities that created the original designs.
