Prada Announces Limited-Edition ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuri Sandals Following Design Controversy
Italian luxury fashion house Prada has revealed plans to launch a limited-edition line of Kolhapuri-inspired sandals made in India, months after facing criticism over the use of a design closely linked to the traditional footwear.
According to Reuters, the brand will produce 2,000 pairs of sandals in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka under a partnership with two state-backed organisations. The collection is scheduled to debut in February 2026 and will be sold online and in 40 Prada boutiques worldwide.
Each pair is expected to retail for about $930, roughly £800 or ₹84,000.
Prada’s head of corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said the project would combine the skills of local manufacturers with the company’s own production standards. The agreement was formalised on Thursday at the Italy–India Business Forum 2025.
The announcement follows backlash earlier this year when Prada showcased sandals featuring an open-toe braided design that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional Indian sandal. At the time, the footwear was described simply as leather sandals, with no reference to its Indian heritage, sparking accusations of cultural appropriation.
Prada later acknowledged the design’s origins and said it was engaging with industry representatives in Maharashtra. A company spokesperson told the BBC in June that the brand values craftsmanship and heritage and was in discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister, Sanjay Shirsat, confirmed on Friday that the new initiative will be titled “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals.” He said selected artisans would undergo specialised training supported by Prada and LIDCOM, a state-backed leather industry body. In addition, around 200 Kolhapuri sandal makers are expected to receive training in Italy over a three-year period.
Mr Shirsat said the agreement initially spans five years, with expectations it could be extended. He added that the state government would also provide financial support to participating artisans.
Kolhapuri sandals, named after the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, date back to the 12th century. Traditionally handcrafted from leather and often dyed with natural colours, the sandals are valued for their durability and suitability for India’s hot climate.
Following the earlier controversy, many Kolhapur-based artisans said they were disappointed by what they saw as a lack of recognition for the cultural and historical significance of the design.
