Prada to roll out kolhapuri chappals worth ₹84,000 made by desi artisans from February 2026. Details here
Prada, the Italian luxury group, is set to launch a limited edition sandal made by Indian artisans after coming under fire for cultural appropriation of traditional Kolhapuri chappals during a fashion show in Milan. The new collection, priced at around 800 euros or $930 per pair (around ₹84,029), will comprise 2,000 units and will blend local craftsmanship from Maharashtra and Karnataka with Prada’s Italian technology. The sandals will be available worldwide from February 2026 in 40 Prada stores and online, Reuters news agency reported.
The initiative is a collaboration between Prada and two Indian state-backed organizations: Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR). The three-year partnership will train local artisans, offering national programs and short-term opportunities at the Prada Academy in Italy. The Chappals have roots in marginalized communities and the collaboration aims to support the preservation and recognition of their heritage.
Bertelli, marketing director and head of corporate social responsibility at Prada, said: “We will combine the standard capabilities of the original manufacturer with our manufacturing techniques. » The project and the training program will require an investment of “several million euros”.
Prerna Deshbhratar, Managing Director, LIDCOM, said, “Once Prada endorses this handicraft as a luxury product, the domino effect will definitely work and lead to increasing demand for this handicraft. » The artisans hope that this initiative will increase their income and attract younger generations to traditional trades threatened by the drop in demand.
India’s luxury goods market was valued at around $7 billion in 2024, with Deloitte forecasting growth to $30 billion by 2030. However, the market remains much smaller than that of China, which Bain valued at $49.56 billion in 2024. Most international brands have entered India through partnerships with conglomerates such as Reliance and Aditya Birla Group.
Bertelli described India as “the real new potential market” but said Prada would prefer to enter there independently, even if it means a delay in its expansion. “We have no plans to open stores in India yet, but it is something we are strongly considering,” he said, suggesting a possible entry into retail within three to five years.
The company recently opened its first beauty store in Delhi, but has no plans to open any new clothing stores or manufacturing plants in India in the coming year. This strategy sets Prada apart from competitors such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, which are already present in India through joint ventures and partnerships.
Bertelli added, “We want to be a multiplier of awareness for these chappals,” highlighting Prada’s commitment to increasing international recognition of Indian craftsmanship. The project is expected to benefit artisans, preserve traditional skills and stimulate interest in authentic and culturally rooted products.
($1 = ₹90.35)
