In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which safeguards their authenticity and highlights their cultural significance
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Italian luxury fashion house Prada, which had got off on the wrong foot in June after it showcased footwear resembling Kolhapuri chappals at a Milan event without giving credit, is now making amends – it has announced it will manufacture a limited edition made-in-India collection, priced at €800 ($930) for a pair.
It has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra-based LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and Karnataka based LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd) during an event at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai to make India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals.
Crafting a collaboration
The collection, which will debut globally in February 2026 across 40 select Prada stores and on Prada’s official e-commerce platform, will have 2,000 units that will blend local Indian craftsmanship with Italian technology. The Kolhapuri chappals are manufactured in Maharashtra in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, and in Karnataka in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Bijapur. In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which safeguards their authenticity and highlights their cultural significance.
“The agreement sets out the framework, implementation and guidance of the ‘Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals’ project, which will celebrate Indian craftsmanship through a limited-edition collection of sandals. These will be manufactured in India in collaboration with skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions, where the traditional Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted,” the fashion house informed in a statement.
Best foot forward
Putting out its best foot forward, the fashion house talked about training and supporting Indian artisans. Said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Prada: “Our collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR stems from a meaningful cultural exchange, where every voice has 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 developing training programmes supporting Indian artisans and ensuring that their exceptional craftsmanship secures its place in today’s evolving industry.”
After facing a big backlash in June, Prada had said it acknowledged the origins of the sandals, and had stated it was open to a “dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisans”. A team from the fashion house had also met with local artisan and shopkeepers in Kolhapur. A team from Prada was in discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture officials to collaborate
Published on December 11, 2025