Prada, Indian Bodies Ink Pact To Take Kolhapuri Chappals Global

Luxury fashion house Prada has signed a major MoU with Maharashtra and Karnataka leather bodies to launch a limited-edition line of Kolhapuri chappals globally, blending traditional Indian craft with Italian design and distribution.

Mumbai/Kolhapur | 12 December 2025: Italian luxury brand Prada is moving forward with a collaboration to bring Kolhapuri chappals onto the global fashion stage, formalising an agreement with Indian partners focused on traditional leather craftsmanship. The memorandum of understanding was signed with two government-backed organisations: LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd), aimed at promoting artisanal Kolhapuri work in international markets.

Under the pact, an exclusive collection of Kolhapuri-inspired sandals will be manufactured in India and launched worldwide through Prada’s retail network and online platform, beginning in February 2026. The initial run is expected to be limited to around 2,000 pairs, priced at about ₹84,000 (roughly 800 euros / $930) per pair. These sandals will be available across about 40 Prada stores globally.

Prada’s collaboration comes after earlier controversy where its Milan Fashion Week preview featured sandals strongly resembling the classic Kolhapuri chappal design without proper credit to Indian heritage. In response to backlash, the brand acknowledged the inspiration and pivoted toward a structured partnership that brings Indian artisans and traditional methods into the production process.

The initiative also includes artisan training programs to help local leather workers upgrade their skills, with some opportunities tied to Prada’s Academy in Italy. This effort is intended to boost both global visibility for Kolhapuri craft and direct economic benefit for makers in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Officials and industry voices have welcomed the move as a way to elevate India’s rich leathercraft heritage while entering international luxury fashion circuits with proper acknowledgment of its roots.

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