Italian luxury brand Prada has reportedly agreed to launch a limited-edition ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuri-inspired collection in partnership with local artisans, following backlash for showcasing the traditional Indian footwear without credit. The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MACCIA) told India Today TV that the brand is now actively working towards ethical sourcing and proper cultural representation.
At the recent Milan Fashion Week, at least seven of the 56 looks featured Kolhapuri chappals. However, the sandals, priced at an eye-watering ₹1.2 lakh (around £1,120), were showcased without any mention of their Indian roots or cultural significance. This sparked widespread criticism in India, as Kolhapuris hold Geographical Indication (GI) status since 2019 and are deeply tied to the artisanal heritage of Maharashtra.
After mounting public pressure, Prada acknowledged that the designs were inspired by India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals.
In response to the controversy, MACCIA engaged Prada in a virtual meeting to discuss concerns surrounding cultural representation and sustainable sourcing. Lalit Gandhi, President of MACCIA, told India Today TV, “Prada was represented by five senior officials from its Milan headquarters. They committed that next week a technical expert team will visit Maharashtra, especially Kolhapur, to identify sustainable local supply chain partners.”
He further added, “They accepted that going forward they would identify these sandals as Kolhapuri chappals. We will connect them with reputed artisan clusters and compliant manufacturers.”
The high-level meeting included key executives such as Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Christopher Bugg, Global Director of Communications.
Beyond footwear, Prada has shown interest in exploring other Indian heritage crafts. According to MACCIA, the fashion house expressed a desire to collaborate on Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas and Payal (traditional anklets), and regional embroidery forms.
Gandhi noted a positive shift in local sentiment, saying, “This controversy has acted as a blessing in disguise for artisans. There is an increase in demand for Kolhapuri chappals. Artisans, suppliers and retailers have come under one roof as an association to promote this heritage.”
