Mumbai, July 12, 2025 — In a significant move following global backlash over cultural appropriation, Italian luxury fashion house Prada has announced plans to launch a limited-edition capsule collection of leather sandals inspired by Maharashtra’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals. The initiative will be developed in collaboration with local artisans and is intended to spotlight India’s traditional craftsmanship on global design platforms.
The announcement follows a virtual meeting between Prada executives and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) on July 11. MACCIA confirmed that Prada will dispatch a technical team to Maharashtra next week to begin groundwork for the collection. The sandals will comply with Geographical Indication (GI) tag requirements and aim to preserve the cultural integrity of the Kolhapuri craft.
The controversy erupted after Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan featured toe-ring leather sandals bearing a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals, without attribution. The omission drew criticism from artisans, cultural advocates, and social media users, prompting calls for ethical collaboration and recognition.
During the meeting, MACCIA presented six agenda points focused on cultural respect, co-branded development, and fair trade principles. Prada reportedly aligned with all key issues and expressed interest in long-term engagement with artisan stakeholders. The brand showcased successful precedents from its ‘Made in’ campaigns in Peru, Japan, and Scotland.
Prada’s delegation included senior officials from its Milan headquarters, among them Chief Business Development Officer Roberto Massardi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli, and Global Director of Communications Christopher Bugg. The team was introduced to other heritage crafts from Maharashtra, including Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, and regional embroidery, with discussions underway for future collaborations.
MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi described the partnership as a potential model for respectful global fashion engagement with traditional communities. “We appreciate Prada’s sincerity and look forward to building on this foundation,” he stated.
The capsule collection is expected to integrate artisan skill development, sustainability-led production models, and cross-border design exchange programs. Prada’s corrective measures mark a pivotal moment in the intersection of luxury fashion and cultural heritage, offering renewed visibility and economic opportunity to India’s artisan communities.
