Earlier this year, Italian luxury fashion label Prada had courted controversy when their spring-summer collection showcased sandals very similar to Kolhapuri chappals, which the city of Kolhapur and surrounding districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka are famous for. There was so much anger and backlash that a high-level team from Prada had visited Kolhapur in July and interacted with the shopkeepers there.
Now, Prada and government organisations—LIDCOM (Saint Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation) —have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a limited edition collection of sandals inspired by the Kolhapuri chappal.
These sandals will be manufactured in India in collaboration with skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions, where the traditional Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted.
In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, safeguarding their authenticity and highlighting their cultural significance.
The project is a result of a sustained dialogue and a shared commitment to honour generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional craft, said Prerna Deshbhratar, the MD of LIDCOM.
"The collaboration with Prada reflects an ethical partnership where a global brand works directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, recognising their expertise and giving them full credit," said Deshbhratar.
The collaboration with Prada opens new global opportunities for Karnataka’s artisans through LIDKAR, said it's MD K.M. Vasundhara.
Prada Group, in collaboration with the two organisations, will also define and implement locally, training programmes aimed at helping artisans upscale their skills while preserving the traditional craftsmanship that inspired the project.
"Our collaboration stems from a meaningful cultural exchange, where every voice contributed to creating not just a product, but a broader initiative," said Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada.
The collection will debut globally in February 2026 across 40 select Prada stores and on Prada’s official e-commerce platform.
