In a landmark move, Prada has partnered with the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and the Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) to launch a project aimed at taking Kolhapuri chappals to a global audience. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Wednesday at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai during the Italy-India Business Forum, seeks to celebrate Indian craftsmanship through a limited-edition collection of sandals inspired by the traditional Kolhapuri design.
The "Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals" project will see the Italian luxury brand working directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, the regions where Kolhapuri chappals are traditionally handcrafted. This collaboration aims to blend Prada's contemporary design approach and premium materials with the traditional techniques and cultural heritage embedded in the making of Kolhapuri chappals.
The partnership follows criticism that arose after Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 collection showcased footwear strikingly similar to Kolhapuri chappals during Milan Fashion Week, without acknowledging the Indian origins of the design. The sandals, priced around ₹1 lakh, drew flak for not crediting India as the source of inspiration. This prompted a reevaluation, leading to the current collaboration.
The collection is slated to debut worldwide in February 2026, and will be available in 40 select Prada stores and on Prada's online platform.
This initiative marks a significant step towards ethical collaboration in the fashion industry, with a global brand directly engaging with local artisans, recognizing their expertise, and giving them full credit. Prerna Deshbhratar, I.A.S., Managing Director, LIDCOM, emphasized that the collaboration reflects an ethical partnership where a global brand works directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, recognizing their expertise and giving them full credit. The Government of Maharashtra, through LIDCOM, is supporting this initiative, highlighting India's vision of promoting its cultural heritage on global platforms while celebrating the authenticity and legacy of Kolhapuri chappals.
Dr. K.M. Vasundhara, Managing Director, LIDKAR, stated that preserving the GI-tagged craft and appreciating the artisans is vital to protecting this cultural, traditional, and economic legacy and that this collaboration with Prada opens new global opportunities for Karnataka's artisans through LIDKAR, safeguarding tradition while empowering communities through training, job opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, stated that the collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR stems from a meaningful cultural exchange and that they are committed to developing training programs supporting Indian artisans and ensuring that their exceptional craftsmanship secures its place in today's evolving industry.
Furthermore, the Prada Group, in collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, will implement local training programs based on the Prada Group Academy model, aimed at helping artisans upscale their skills while preserving the traditional craftsmanship. These programs aim to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge, ensuring the continued thriving of traditional techniques and creating learning opportunities for young people within local communities. The partnership will also include a three-year training program to help artisans upgrade skills both in India and at Prada's Academy in Italy.
The traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are manufactured across eight districts: four in Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and four in Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). In 2019, Kolhapuri Chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, safeguarding their authenticity and highlighting their cultural significance.
