Luxury fashion house Prada has announced a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals, months after facing criticism over the use of similar designs without crediting their origins.
The Italian brand said it will produce around 2,000 pairs of sandals in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka through a partnership with two state-supported organisations. The move follows widespread backlash in India, where many accused the brand of cultural appropriation earlier this year.
Prada’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said the project would combine the skills of local artisans with the company’s own production standards. He described the collaboration as an effort to respect traditional craftsmanship while applying Prada’s manufacturing techniques.
The sandals are expected to go on sale in February 2026 and will be available online as well as in about 40 Prada stores worldwide. Each pair is reportedly priced at around $930, placing the footwear firmly in the luxury segment.
The agreement was formalised during the Italy-India Business Forum 2025, reflecting growing commercial ties between the two countries.
Backlash Over Design Similarities
Prada first came under scrutiny in June after showcasing leather sandals with an open-toe braided design that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a centuries-old Indian footwear style. The brand initially described the product as leather footwear without referencing its Indian roots, triggering criticism from artisans, cultural commentators and social media users.
Following the backlash, Prada acknowledged that the design was inspired by Indian craftsmanship and said it was engaging with industry representatives in Maharashtra.
Support for Artisans and Training Programme
According to Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, the new initiative will be officially branded as “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals”. He said select artisans will receive specialised training in collaboration with Prada and LIDCOM, a state-backed leather industry body.
In addition, about 200 Kolhapuri sandal makers are expected to undergo advanced training in Italy over a three-year period. The state government has also committed to providing financial support to participating artisans.
The agreement has been signed for five years, with officials expressing confidence that the partnership could be extended further.
A Craft With Deep Roots
Kolhapuri sandals, named after the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, date back to the 12th century. Handcrafted from leather and often dyed using natural colours, the sandals are known for their durability and suitability for India’s hot climate.
After the earlier controversy, many local artisans said they felt disappointed that their traditional designs had been used by an international brand without proper recognition. The new collaboration is being viewed by some as a step towards addressing those concerns, though debate continues over pricing and accessibility.