The global luxury fashion brand Prada recently faced criticism after having presented Kolhapuri style slippers to Milan Fashion Week without recognizing their origins. In response, a team of Prada representatives visited Kolhapur to engage with local craftsmen and understand the traditional craft crafts in Kolhapuri.
The visit aimed to approach the backlash that appeared after Prada called traditional shoes like leather clothes and not like Kolhapuri chappales. Lalit Gandhi from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce stressed that this lack of recognition was a guaranteed error that Prada would not be repeated. Part of the male collection of Printemps / Summer 2026 of Prada, a pair of Kolhapuri Chappals was at the cost of RS 1 Lakh.
During the visit, Prada expressed a commitment to “responsible design practices, promoting cultural commitment and opening a dialogue for a significant exchange with local Indian artisanal communities”. The brand has also indicated its intention to launch a collection inspired by Kolhapuri in a limited edition, aimed at bringing the world markets to the door of artisans in Kolhapur.
The Prada team, managed by Paolo Tiveron, director of the technical and male production department, met various craftsmen, including Shubham Satpute, which presented the detailed crafts involved in the manufacture of Kolhapuri Chappals. The Prada team included six senior representatives, including Tiveron, Daniele Contu, model director of the shoe division, Andrea Polastrelli and Roberto Polastrelli.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations consider this collaboration as a central moment for the Chappal industry in Kolhapuri. Gandhi noted: “The State government is invited to take measures to protect the reputation and popularity of Kolhapuri’s slippers.” He added that the controversy brought Kolhapuri Chappals to a global platform.
Bhupal Shete, a key figure of the Kolhapuri Chappal cluster, said that previous government initiatives were helping to present the shoes internationally, which increases demand. “With the help of Prada, the world markets will open up to Kolhapuri’s Chappals and art will be preserved,” said Shete.
A follow -up visit to the Prada sales team is scheduled for early August, aimed at exploring other collaboration opportunities. “Prada’s controversy has helped take Kolhapuri Chappal to the world scene,” said Gandhi.
As part of their commitment, Prada collected various samples and finished with shoes, intended to integrate traditional design elements into their future collections. This collaboration should improve the visibility of the chappals of Kolhapuri in international fashion arenas.
