Prada Group has launched a limited edition sandal collection inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, manufactured in India. The launch follows the company’s December 2025 partnership with 2 Indian leather development corporations after criticism over similar designs on its Milan runway. The company also announced a 3 year artisan training program in India as part of this initiative.
Prada introduced the collection under its “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project, launched in December 2025. The company formalised the project by signing an MoU with LIDCOM and LIDKAR at the Italy-India Business Forum in Mumbai after facing criticism over similar designs at its Milan runway show, later acknowledging the inspiration and committing to work with Indian artisans.
Skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, regions where Kolhapuri chappals have been handcrafted for generations and received GI tag status in 2019, manufactured the sandals using traditional techniques combined with contemporary design and premium materials.
Prada developed the collection in collaboration with 2 government organisations, LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd).
The brand has not yet unveiled the price of the Kolhapuri chappals, but according to Reuters, in December 2025, Prada announced that it would sell each pair for USD 930
The project is part of Prada’s decade-old “Made In…” initiative aimed at celebrating global artisanal excellence through modern design.
Alongside the launch, Prada will fully fund a structured training program for artisans from 8 Kolhapuri-producing districts. The program will run for 3 years in 6 month modules and train a total of 180 artisans aged 18 to 45, including funding supported by proceeds from the sandal collection sales.
Training will be delivered at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology (KILT). It will cover design fundamentals, digital skills, market trends and product development, guiding artisans from concept to market readiness with strong focus on practical learning.
Dedicated studios at both institutes will provide tools and materials for hands on training. The first program will begin this summer, with applications for the initial 30 seats opening in May 2026 across LIDCOM, LIDKAR and institute websites. The batch will include 15 seats each at NIFT and KILT.
At the end of each 6 month module, selected participants will get the opportunity to continue training at the Prada Group Academy in Italy, where they will learn directly from the Group’s Maestros.
“Education is a fundamental pillar in ensuring that craftsmanship remains a living practice. With this training program, we are translating a shared cultural dialogue into a concrete opportunity for learning & growth.”
– Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group, Head of CSR
“This collaboration will enable sustainable global positioning of our traditional craftsmanship, fostering cross-cultural design dialogue and long-term value for artisans.”
– Prerna Deshbhratar, MD, LIDCOM
“This collaboration with the Prada Group represents a significant step toward elevating Karnataka’s traditional craftsmanship to the global stage, while reinforcing our commitment to artisan’s welfare through responsible and sustainable CSR initiatives.”
– Dr KM Vasundhara, MD, LIDKAR
“Partnering with a globally renowned luxury brand marks a significant milestone for KILT. This collaboration will empower our artisans with exposure to international design sensibilities, evolving market demands, and cutting-edge technologies.”
– Siddalingappa B Pujari, Director, KILT
Read: Prada Signs MoU with Two Indian Leather Development Corporations for Kolhapuri Chappal Project
