Prada will produce a limited-edition collection of sandals in India inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals, its senior executive Lorenzo Bertelli told Reuters. Each pair will sell for around 800 euros ($930). The initiative aims to transform a backlash over cultural appropriation into a formal partnership with Indian artisans.
The Italian luxury house plans to manufacture 2,000 pairs in Maharashtra and Karnataka through agreements with two state-backed bodies. The collection blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with Prada’s manufacturing techniques and Italian design expertise.
Six months ago, Prada faced widespread criticism after showcasing sandals resembling 12th-century Indian footwear at its Milan show. Social media outrage followed, prompting Indian artisans and politicians to call out the brand for cultural appropriation. Prada acknowledged that the design drew inspiration from ancient Indian styles and soon began discussions with artisan groups.
Exclusive: Prada will make a limited-edition collection of sandals in India inspired by the country's traditional footwear, selling each pair at around $930, turning a backlash over cultural appropriation into a collaboration with Indian artisans https://t.co/qW53MYOsbe
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 11, 2025The company has now signed agreements with LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation), both of which preserve India’s leather heritage. Bertelli said he hopes to “multiply awareness” of Kolhapuri chappals globally.
Launch Timeline and Artisan Training Programme
Prada will release the collection in February 2026 across 40 stores worldwide and through its online channels. As part of a three-year partnership, Prada and its Indian counterparts will create training programmes to support local artisans. These will include skill-building workshops in India and opportunities for selected artisans to train at Prada’s Academy in Italy.
Kolhapuri chappals, traditionally handcrafted in Maharashtra and Karnataka, originate from communities that have historically faced marginalisation. Artisans believe that the collaboration will help preserve the craft, attract younger talent, and increase incomes. LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar said that Prada’s endorsement could create a “domino effect” and drive global demand.
Bertelli added that the project and training programme would cost “several million euros” and stressed that artisans would receive fair compensation.
Prada’s Expansion Plans in India
Although the brand opened its first beauty store in Delhi this year, Prada does not plan to open new fashion retail stores or build factories in India in the short term. Bertelli said Prada is considering expansion in the “three to five-year” timeframe.
India’s luxury market, valued at about $7 billion in 2024, is projected to reach approximately $30 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte. The sector’s growth is driven by rising disposable incomes and improving economic conditions. However, the market remains much smaller than China’s, which generated about 350 billion yuan ($49.56 billion) in luxury value in 2024, according to Bain.
