Luxury fashion brand Prada has announced that it will launch a special collection of sandals inspired by India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, with production taking place in India. The collection is expected to be released globally in February 2026, following months of criticism over the brand’s earlier designs.
The controversy began when Prada showcased leather sandals during its Milan fashion show that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a handcrafted footwear style that holds Geographical Indication (GI) status in India. The absence of any reference to Indian artisans or cultural origins led to public backlash, with critics accusing the brand of copying traditional designs without giving due credit.
In response, Prada entered into an agreement with Indian leather development bodies LIDCOM (Maharashtra) and LIDKAR (Karnataka). Under this partnership, around 2,000 pairs of sandals will be handmade in India by local artisans. Each pair is expected to be priced at about $930 (approximately ₹84,000) and sold through select Prada stores and online platforms worldwide.
The company said the initiative aims to combine traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury design. It will also include skill-development programmes for artisans and opportunities for select craftspeople to engage with Prada’s design teams in Italy.
Prada has acknowledged the cultural roots of Kolhapuri chappals and said the collaboration is intended to promote traditional Indian footwear on a global stage. However, some artisan groups and industry observers have raised concerns about pricing, profit-sharing, and long-term benefits for local craftsmen.
The episode has once again highlighted the growing debate around cultural appropriation, intellectual property rights, and fair recognition of traditional crafts in the global fashion industry.
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