World trend model Prada has introduced a line of limited-edition footwear impressed by Indian-made Kolhapuri sandals, months after it confronted backlash for allegedly appropriating the sandal’s design.
The Italian luxurious model will make 2,000 pairs of sandals in India’s Maharashtra and Karnataka states, underneath a take care of two state-backed entities, Reuters information company experiences.
“We’ll combine the unique producer’s normal capabilities with our manufacturing strategies”, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s head of Company Social Accountability, stated.
The gathering is ready to go on sale in February 2026, on-line and in 40 Prada shops internationally.
A pair of sandals are reportedly set to be offered for $939, which quantities to round £800 and 84,000 rupees.
The settlement was signed on Thursday in the course of the Italy-India Enterprise Discussion board 2025.
In June, Prada courted controversy after it showcased sandals that had an open-toe braided sample that carefully resembled the normal Kolhapuri sandals made in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Prada described the sandals as “leather-based footwear” however didn’t point out its Indian origins, prompting backlash and allegations of cultural appropriation in India.
The model later acknowledged the footwear design’s Indian roots.
A Prada spokesperson at the moment instructed the BBC that the corporate has “at all times celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions”, including that it was “in touch with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Business & Agriculture on this subject”. This can be a distinguished trade commerce physique within the state.
On Friday, Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat instructed BBC Marathi that the brand new initiative will probably be referred to as ‘Prada Made in India – Impressed by Kolhapuri Chappals [sandals]’.
“Retaining in thoughts Prada’s necessities and demand, some artisans will obtain particular coaching from Prada and LIDCOM [a state-backed entity supporting the leather industry in Maharashtra]. Moreover, round 200 Kolhapuri chappal artisans will probably be given three years of coaching in Italy,” he stated.
Mr Shirsat stated the settlement had been signed for 5 years, however expressed confidence that it could be prolonged additional.
“The state authorities will even present monetary help to the artisans for this goal,” he added.
Named after a metropolis in Maharashtra the place they’re made, Kolhapuri sandals hint their roots again to the twelfth Century.
Produced from leather-based and generally dyed in pure colors, the normal handcrafted sandals are sturdy and well-suited to India’s scorching local weather.
Following the controversy, many artisans in Kolhapur said they were saddened by Prada’s use of the design with out giving due credit score.
