Companies

Prada turns Kolhapuri controversy into artisan partnership

Dec 26, 2025 India

The Italy-based luxury group will collaborate with Indian artisans on a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by the country’s traditional footwear, aiming to turn cultural appropriation backlash into a positive partnership

Six months ago, Prada was criticised for showing sandals on a Milan catwalk that resembled 12th-century Indian footwear known as Kolhapuri chappals. The photos went viral, prompting outrage from Indian artisans and politicians. Prada, which later admitted that its design drew from ancient Indian styles, began talks with artisan groups about collaborating.

The group has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two state-backed bodies which promote India’s leather heritage: Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation, as well as Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation.

As part of the agreement, 2,000 pairs of sandals will be produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka, regions renowned for their handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals. This collaboration combines local Indian craftsmanship with Italian technology and expertise. “We’ll mix the original manufacturer’s standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques”, Bertelli, who is chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility, told Reuters.

In addition, a three-year partnership is being finalised to train local artisans. The initiative will include training programmes in India, as well as opportunities to undertake short placements at Prada’s academy in Italy. Indian artisans hope that, overall, the collaboration will allow to raise incomes, attract younger generations to the trade, and preserve heritage threatened by cheap imitations and declining demand.

The collection will be available to buy from February 2026, in 40 Prada stores worldwide and online. Each pair will cost around 800 euros.

Image Credits: thehindu.com

India Footwear Leather Manufacturing Partnerships Prada