Prada launches ₹85,000 Kolhapuri chappal collection, signs MoUs with India’s leather boards after cultural backlash

Prada is set to launch a limited-edition Kolhapuri-inspired sandal collection priced at around ₹85,000, following a new partnership with Indian leather development bodies aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s traditional craftsmanship. 

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Context of the move

The move comes months after the Italian luxury house faced backlash for cultural appropriation when it unveiled Kolhapuri-like sandals in its 2026 men’s collection without acknowledging the design’s Indian origins.

MOUs Signed

It was on December 11 that Prada signed several MoUs: 

1/ With LIDCOM, popularly known as Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd, 

2/ With LIDKAR, commonly referred to as Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd,

3/ And government bodies entrusted with the task of preserving India's leather heritage. 

The deal paves the way for the brand's new project, "PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals."

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How MOUs will work? 

The limited edition lot-2,000 pairs-will be manufactured in India in collaboration with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, the two states that collectively house eight key districts where GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals are traditionally handmade.

“The project is a result of a sustained dialogue and a shared commitment to honour generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional craft,”LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar said. 

He emphasised that the partnership represents an ethical model in which a global luxury brand works directly with local artisan communities.

LIDKAR Managing Director K.M. Vasundhara said: "Preserving this GI-tagged craft and appreciating our artisans is vital to protecting this cultural, traditional and economic legacy."

The collection will launch globally in February 2026, retailing across 40 select Prada stores and on the brand’s official e-commerce platform. Its release is widely seen as a corrective step after Prada’s earlier controversy, where critics accused the brand of “stealing cultural heritage” while pricing the Kolhapuri-inspired sandals at nearly ₹1.2 lakh.

Prada’s Statement

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said, "We are proud to announce the launch of this collection, and we are committed to develop training programs supporting Indian artisans and ensuring that their exceptional craftsmanship secures its place in today’s evolving industry."

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