New Delhi, December 11 (EFE). – Italian luxury brand Prada will partner with local artisans to launch a limited-edition collection of sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear, following controversy in early June when it faced accusations of alleged cultural appropriation and calls for recognition of India’s master craftsmen when it presented the same shoes in Milan.
The company confirmed to EFE on Thursday that as part of its collaboration it plans to produce 2,000 pairs of sandals that will sell for about $930 each.
“We are proud to announce the launch of this collection and are committed to developing training programs that support Indian artisans and ensure that their exceptional craftsmanship maintains its place in today’s evolving industry,” Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada, said in a statement released by the brand on Thursday.
These sandals, known as ‘Kolhapuri Chappals’ in India, are made in the country in collaboration with skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions where they are traditionally made. The collection combines traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary design and high-quality materials.
To create them, the Italian company has entered into an agreement with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR), which promotes India’s leather heritage.
India also commented on the recent cooperation. The Minister of Trade and Industry stressed that he is fully confident that “the collaboration between such a prestigious brand like Prada and India will enable our artisans and leather workers to work together to make this footwear a global brand, a global offering.”
The collection will launch in February 2026 at 40 select Prada stores worldwide and on the brand’s official e-commerce platform.
Prada came under fire in early June when the Italian luxury brand presented its 2026 men’s collection in Milan. Among the designs, a model appeared that many immediately recognized: it looked too similar to the Indian Kolhapuri.
The reaction on social media in India was massive, with accusations of cultural appropriation and calls for recognition of local artisans.
An intellectual property expert has filed a public interest petition in the Bombay High Court. According to their criteria, the brand not only disregards a cultural tradition, but could also violate a legal personality that has been protected by the Indian state since 2019.
Public pressure led Prada to admit in an email that the design was “inspired” by Indian shoes and to clarify that the product was still in the design phase.
This public interest petition was ultimately dismissed by the court, which ruled that the plaintiffs had no active standing to file the suit, which coincided weeks later with a technical team from the Italian luxury brand visiting the Indian city of Kolhapur to meet with the artisans of the traditional “Kolhapuri Chappal” sandals.
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