Prada collaborates with LIDCOM and LIDKAR artisans for a limited-edition collection of sandals, inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals

It was not so long ago that the Italian luxury brand Prada got itself in the middle of a controversy when models during its menswear showing walked in kolhapuri chappals with the brand not giving due credits anywhere in its brand communications. Within minutes the internet went tizzy with thousands of fans criticizing the brand for not attributing the origins of the chappals nor giving due credits to the artisans in Kolhapur. Of course, Prada, a few days later acknowledged using the famous Indian chappals in its menswear showing.

Well, thing of the past that may be, the same brand has now made sure that it’s further going to retail these chappals officially across select stores of the brand across the world. And that should make all the brand loyalists happy. Prada, LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd) -- the government organizations safeguarding, promoting and developing the Indian leather industry and heritage of Kolhapuri Chappals – signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai on November 10. The signing was held on the occasion of the Italy-India Business Forum in Mumbai.

“Our collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR stems from a meaningful cultural exchange, where every voice contributed to creating not just a product, but a broader initiative,” says Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. “We are proud to announce the launch of this collection, and we are committed to develop training programs supporting Indian artisans and ensuring that their exceptional craftsmanship secures its place in today’s evolving industry.”

The agreement sets out the framework, implementation and guidance of the “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project, which will celebrate Indian craftsmanship through a limited-edition collection of sandals. These will be manufactured in India in collaboration with skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions, where the traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted. Combining traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary design and premium materials, the collection creates a unique dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression.

According to LIDCOM MD Prerna Deshbhratar the project is a result of a sustained dialogue and a shared commitment to honour generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional craft. “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,” says Deshbhratar. “The Government of Maharashtra through LIDCOM is happy to support this initiative which highlights India’s vision of taking its rich cultural heritage to global platforms while celebrating the authenticity and legacy of Kolhapuri chappals.”

The traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are manufactured across eight districts: four in Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and four in Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). In 2019, Kolhapuri Chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, safeguarding their authenticity and highlighting their cultural significance.

“The heritage of Kolhapuri Chappals represents centuries of skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans across Karnataka and Maharashtra. Preserving this GI-tagged craft and appreciating our artisans is vital to protecting this cultural, traditional and economic legacy,” says LIDKAR Managing Director Dr. K.M. Vasundhara.

“Our collaboration with Prada opens new global opportunities for Karnataka’s artisans through LIDKAR, safeguarding tradition while empowering communities through training, job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. We are proud to join hands with Prada in taking Indian craftsmanship to the global platform.”

This initiative is a new chapter in the “Made In…” project, which was launched by Prada over a decade ago to celebrate artisanal excellence globally. It aims to identify and collaborate with master craftspeople on contemporary, innovative designs that embody an unparalleled standard of quality transcending geographical boundaries. 

Through this initiative, Prada Group, in collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, will define and implement locally training programs aimed at helping artisans upscale their skills while preserving the traditional craftsmanship that inspired the project, following the model of the Prada Group Academy. The aim is to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge, ensuring that these techniques continue to thrive, while creating learning opportunities for young people within local communities.

The collection will debut globally in February 2026 across 40 select Prada stores and on Prada’s official e-commerce platform.