Italian luxury brand Prada has launched a limited-edition line of sandals inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri sandals, nearly a year after it faced criticism over cultural appropriation.
The company said the new sandals, reportedly priced at €750 ($881; £650) a pair, have been manufactured in India by skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions, where traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted, the collection combines traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary design and premium materials to create a unique dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression. This collection is developed in collaboration with LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd) – the Indian government organizations focused on safeguarding, promoting and developing the Indian leather industry and heritage of Kolhapuri Chappals.
The collection is being sold across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online, with each pair handmade by artisans. The brand said the line "combines traditional techniques with contemporary design and premium materials", creating what it described as "a dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression".
Prada also announced a three-year training programme for artisans from eight Indian districts associated with making Kolhapuri sandals.
The programme, developed in collaboration with two Indian design institutes, will train 180 artisans in six-month modules. Some participants may also have the opportunity to continue training at the Prada Group Academy in Italy, the company said. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's head of corporate social responsibility, said the initiative aims to support artisans by strengthening skills, preserving traditional knowledge and helping local communities sustain the craft. The sandals, like many Indian handicrafts, have long been at the centre of debates over the use of traditional designs by international brands, with designers and industry experts raising concerns about limited recognition and returns for artisans.
