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

Prada has decided to work with Indian artisans to create a limited-edition sandal collection, months after the brand faced criticism for using designs similar to traditional Kolhapuri chappals, reported Reuters.The Italian luxury company will produce 2,000 pairs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, selling each pair for about 800 euros, according to the report. Prada’s senior executive Lorenzo Bertelli told Reuters that the idea is to mix traditional Indian skills with Italian manufacturing techniques. The sandals will go on sale in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online. The move comes after a backlash six months ago, when Prada showcased sandals in Milan that resembled Kolhapuri chappals. Photos spread quickly online, leading to anger in India. Prada later accepted that the design drew from ancient Indian styles. The company has now signed agreements with two government-backed organisations LIDCOM in Maharashtra and LIDKAR in Karnataka,. These groups mainly support artisans from marginalised communities who make traditional chappals by hand. Bertelli said the aim is to bring global attention to this craft. The partnership will run for three years and will include training programmes for artisans in India and short training opportunities at Prada’s Academy in Italy. He said the project will cost several million euros and assured that artisans will be paid fairly. Prerna Deshbhratar, managing director of LIDCOM, said that once a global brand like Prada supports this craft, demand is likely to grow naturally.