Kolhapuri chappal row: Prada to team up with Indian artisans; launch limited-edition sandals

Prada has decided to enactment with Indian artisans to make a limited-edition sandal collection, months aft the marque faced disapproval for utilizing designs akin to accepted Kolhapuri chappals, reported Reuters.The Italian luxury institution volition nutrient 2,000 pairs successful Maharashtra and Karnataka, selling each brace for astir 800 euros, according to the report. Prada’s elder enforcement Lorenzo Bertelli told Reuters that the thought is to premix accepted Indian skills with Italian manufacturing techniques. The sandals volition spell connected merchantability successful February 2026 crossed 40 Prada stores worldwide and online. The determination comes aft a backlash six months ago, erstwhile Prada showcased sandals successful Milan that resembled Kolhapuri chappals.

Photos dispersed rapidly online, starring to choler successful India. Prada aboriginal accepted that the plan drew from past Indian styles. The institution has present signed agreements with 2 government-backed organisations LIDCOM successful Maharashtra and LIDKAR successful Karnataka,. These groups chiefly enactment artisans from marginalised communities who marque accepted chappals by hand. Bertelli said the purpose is to bring planetary attraction to this craft. The concern volition tally for 3 years and volition see grooming programmes for artisans successful India and abbreviated grooming opportunities astatine Prada’s Academy successful Italy. He said the task volition outgo respective cardinal euros and assured that artisans volition beryllium paid fairly. Prerna Deshbhratar, managing manager of LIDCOM, said that erstwhile a planetary marque similar Prada supports this craft, request is apt to turn naturally.