2,000 Pairs, Priced at ₹80k Each: After Kolhapuri Row, Prada's ‘Made-in-India’ Sandals to Hit Shelves Soon
In a striking turn of events, Italian luxury fashion house Prada is set to launch a limited-edition collection of sandals made in India, inspired by the country's traditional footwear. This move comes months after the brand faced criticism for showcasing designs that bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals without acknowledging their Indian origin.
The collection, comprising 2,000 pairs, will be priced at approximately €800 (around $930 or ₹80,000) per pair. These "Made-in-India" sandals are scheduled to go on sale in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online.
Prada's initial designs, unveiled at a Milan show six months ago, sparked outrage among Indian artisans and politicians. The sandals closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional handcrafted leather footwear with a centuries-old heritage, originating from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The designs are known for their toe-loop design and are made by marginalized communities. Critics accused Prada of cultural appropriation, as the brand did not initially credit the Indian artisans or acknowledge the footwear's origins.
Following the backlash, Prada admitted that its design drew inspiration from ancient Indian styles and initiated talks with artisan groups for collaboration. The company has now signed an agreement with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR), two state-backed organizations that promote India's leather heritage.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's senior executive, stated that the project aims to blend local Indian craftsmanship with Italian technology and know-how. Prada plans to integrate the original manufacturer's capabilities with its own manufacturing techniques. Bertelli also expressed the brand's desire to amplify awareness of these traditional Indian chappals.
The collaboration will involve artisans from the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka, where Kolhapuri chappals originated. As part of a three-year partnership, local artisans will receive training in modern techniques and have the opportunity to work short-term at the Prada Academy in Italy. Prada has committed several million euros to the project and has assured fair compensation for the artisans involved.
Prerna Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM, anticipates that support from a global brand like Prada will naturally boost demand for the craft. Artisans hope that this collaboration will increase incomes, attract younger generations to the trade, and preserve a heritage threatened by cheap imitations and declining demand.
While Prada is collaborating with Indian artisans and investing in training programs, the company currently has no plans to open new retail clothing shops or factories in India in the short term. However, Prada opened its first beauty store in Delhi this year and is considering retail expansion within the next three to five years, recognizing India as a "real potential market". Deloitte estimates the luxury goods market in India was valued at around $7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach approximately $30 billion by 2030.
