Kolhapuri Chappals Catch Prada’s Eye: Italian Fashion Giant Plans Collaboration With Local Artisans
Kolhapur, 11th July 2025: Italian luxury fashion brand Prada is taking steps toward a potential collaboration with traditional Kolhapuri chappal artisans, following global criticism over its recent collection that closely resembled the iconic handcrafted footwear from Maharashtra.
In an online meeting held on Friday, representatives of the Prada Group interacted with office-bearers of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), along with Kolhapur-based artisans and footwear traders. The discussion aimed at initiating dialogue over possible future partnerships rooted in authenticity and craft recognition.
The meeting saw participation from Prada’s team based in Milan, Italy, while MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi and stakeholders from Mumbai and Kolhapur joined from India.
The conversation was prompted by backlash the fashion house faced after unveiling a men’s footwear line during its Spring/Summer 2026 Menswear Show in Milan, where one of the designs bore a striking resemblance to Kolhapuri chappals—traditional, GI-tagged leather footwear made by skilled artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
In response, Prada acknowledged that its design drew inspiration from these heritage shoes and expressed a desire to engage directly with the artisan community for a collaborative future. The brand described Friday’s meeting as a “constructive exchange to build mutual understanding and explore collaborative possibilities.”
In a statement issued after the session, the Prada Group said, “This meeting marked a significant step in establishing mutual respect and initiating dialogue with artisan communities in Maharashtra. We’re now preparing to send our supply chain team to Kolhapur to meet a broad range of manufacturers.”
MACCIA will assist in identifying GI-certified artisans and manufacturers who could potentially partner with the fashion house for co-branded products.
Commenting on the discussions, MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi said Prada expressed strong interest in launching a limited-edition ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuri collection, with an emphasis on authenticity and artisan partnership.
“The Prada team shared case studies of their successful international collaborations, such as their ‘Made in Peru,’ ‘Made in Japan,’ and ‘Made in Scotland’ lines,” Gandhi said. “They also presented a preliminary concept for a ‘Made in India–Kolhapuri’ series, showing genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship.”
Beyond chappals, MACCIA proposed expanding the partnership to include other traditional arts and crafts from Maharashtra, such as Paithani saree weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas/Payal (traditional anklets), and regional embroidery.
“Prada responded with interest and agreed to explore the feasibility of including these heritage crafts in future global collections,” Gandhi added.
The development has brought renewed attention to the value of India’s traditional crafts and may open up new global opportunities for artisan-led sustainable fashion rooted in regional identity.
