BBC:
Global fashion brand Prada has announced a line of limited-edition footwear inspired by Indian-made Kolhapuri sandals, months after it faced backlash for allegedly appropriating the sandal’s design.
The Italian luxury brand will make 2,000 pairs of sandals in India’s Maharashtra and Karnataka states, under a deal with two state-backed entities, Reuters news agency reports.
“We’ll mix the original manufacturer’s standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques”, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said.
The collection is set to go on sale in February 2026, online and in 40 Prada stores across the world.
A pair of sandals are reportedly set to be sold for $939, which amounts to around £800 and 84,000 rupees.
The agreement was signed on Thursday during the Italy-India Business Forum 2025.
In June, Prada courted controversy after it showcased sandals that had an open-toe braided pattern that closely resembled the traditional Kolhapuri sandals made in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Prada described the sandals as “leather footwear” but did not mention its Indian origins, prompting backlash and allegations of cultural appropriation in India.
The brand later acknowledged the footwear design’s Indian roots.
A Prada spokesperson at that time told the BBC that the company has “always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions”, adding that it was “in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic”. This is a prominent industry trade body in the state.
On Friday, Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat told BBC Marathi that the new initiative will be called ‘Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals [sandals]’.
“Keeping in mind Prada’s requirements and demand, some artisans will receive special training from Prada and LIDCOM [a state-backed entity supporting the leather industry in Maharashtra]. Additionally, around 200 Kolhapuri chappal artisans will be given three years of training in Italy,” he said.
Mr Shirsat said the agreement had been signed for five years, but expressed confidence that it would be extended further.
“The state government will also provide financial assistance to the artisans for this purpose,” he added.
Named after a city in Maharashtra where they are made, Kolhapuri sandals trace their roots back to the 12th Century.
Made from leather and sometimes dyed in natural colours, the traditional handcrafted sandals are sturdy and well-suited to India’s hot climate.
Following the controversy, many artisans in Kolhapur said they were saddened by Prada’s use of the design without giving due credit.
