2,000 pairs, priced at ₹80k each: After Kolhapuri row, Prada’s ‘Made-in-India’ sandals to hit shelves soon
Italian global luxury fashion house Prada, which sparked controversy with its ‘Toe Loop Sandals’ earlier this year, will launch a limited edition sandal collection inspired by the country’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals in India, priced at around $930 (~ ₹84000).
According to a report prepared by Reuters, Prada said 2,000 pairs of sandals will be produced in India in collaboration with skilled artisans in the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions where traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted.
The Italian fashion giant signed a memorandum of understanding with two government organizations – LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd) – for the supply of sandals.
When and where to find Prada’s ‘Made in India’ sandals?
To talk ReutersPrada said the collection will be available in 40 Prada stores worldwide and online in February 2026.
How does collaboration work?
Prada said it plans to make the sandals by blending local Indian craftsmanship with Italian technology and know-how.
“We will combine the standard capabilities of the original manufacturer with our production techniques,” said Bertelli, Prada’s marketing director and head of corporate social responsibility. Reuters in an interview. Bertelli is also the eldest son of Prada founders Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli.
It has been reported that a three-year partnership will be established to train local craftsmen, the details of which are still being finalized. The initiative will include training programs in India as well as short-term stay opportunities for artisans at the Prada Academy in Italy.
Prada Kolhapuri chappal row
Earlier in June this year, the global fashion house came under criticism for its Spring/Summer 2026 collection featuring leather sandals that looked too similar to the traditional Indian Kolhapuri Chappal. The shoe was presented under the luxury brand’s banner without explicit reference to its cultural roots, which sparked criticism.
This had led to accusations of cultural appropriation and violation of Kolhapuri’s GI tag, and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture had conveyed this to Prada. Not just netizens, Bollywood celebrities like Kareena Kapoor also called out Prada for ‘copying’ the design of Indian Kolhapuri chappals.
Although Prada had denied infringements, citing inspiration and avoiding the name, it had agreed to partner with Indian artisans for future collections.
According to Deloitte, India’s luxury goods market was worth around $7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around $30 billion by 2030, as economic growth accelerates to 7% this year and disposable income increases among the middle and upper classes. However, it is stated that the market remains in the shadow of China, which produces approximately 350 billion yuan ($49.56 billion) in value in 2024. ReutersQuoting Bain.
