Prada’s new move: ₹85,000 Kolhapuris that are actually 'Made in India'

Luxury label Prada has officially teamed up with India’s leather bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR, and honestly, the timing couldn’t be more on point. After months of being called out for culturally appropriating Kolhapuri chappals, the brand has now signed an MoU (on 11 December) that sets the stage for a limited-edition sandal line inspired by the iconic Indian footwear, this time made with the artisans who actually keep the craft alive.Earlier this year, Prada found itself in the middle of a major backlash. The brand showcased a pair of sandals in its 2026 men’s collection that looked almost like luxe Kolhapuri chappals with a European twist. The problem? No mention of India, no credit to the communities behind the craft, and a price tag touching ₹1.2 lakh. Naturally, people weren’t pleased.

So now, Prada is taking the corrective route with its new project, “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals.”

Under this, the brand will release 2,000 handcrafted pairs, each priced at roughly ₹85,000, and made directly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the two states where Kolhapuris originally come from.These exclusive pairs will drop globally in February 2026, across 40 Prada stores and the brand’s online shop.The MoU also makes it clear that real artisans will be front and centre. The sandals will be crafted in collaboration with makers from the eight districts known for true Kolhapuri work - Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur in Maharashtra, and Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Bijapur in Karnataka.

LIDCOM MD Prerna Deshbhratar said the project is the result of long, meaningful conversations and shows a sincere effort to honour the artisans who’ve protected this craft for generations. LIDKAR MD K.M. Vasundhara added that supporting the GI-tagged Kolhapuri tradition isn’t just about culture, it’s crucial for the livelihoods tied to it.

For context, Kolhapuri chappals received their GI tag in 2019, officially recognising the craft’s authenticity and heritage.

Prada’s new partnership aims to make sure this legacy gets the global respect it has always deserved.Prada’s CSR head Lorenzo Bertelli also said the brand will roll out training programmes for artisans to help keep the craft strong and relevant in the modern luxury world.The move comes after heavy criticism for Prada’s earlier “braided leather” sandals that looked suspiciously like Kolhapuris without any acknowledgement whatsoever.With this new collection, the brand seems to be taking a step back, reassessing, and finally giving Indian artisans the spotlight that should’ve been there from day one.