World vogue model Prada has introduced a line of limited-edition footwear impressed by Indian-made Kolhapuri sandals, months after it confronted backlash for allegedly appropriating the sandal’s design.
The Italian luxurious model will make 2,000 pairs of sandals in India’s Maharashtra and Karnataka states, below a take care of two state-backed entities, Reuters information company stories.
“We’ll combine the unique producer’s normal capabilities with our manufacturing methods”, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s head of Company Social Accountability, stated.
The gathering is about to go on sale in February 2026, on-line and in 40 Prada shops internationally.
A pair of sandals are reportedly set to be offered for $939, which quantities to round £800 and 84,000 rupees.
The settlement was signed on Thursday through the Italy-India Enterprise Discussion board 2025.
In June, Prada courted controversy after it showcased sandals that had an open-toe braided sample that intently resembled the normal Kolhapuri sandals made in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Prada described the sandals as “leather-based footwear” however didn’t point out its Indian origins, prompting backlash and allegations of cultural appropriation in India.
The model later acknowledged the footwear design’s Indian roots.
A Prada spokesperson at the moment instructed the BBC that the corporate has “all the time celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions”, including that it was “in touch with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Trade & Agriculture on this matter”. It is a distinguished trade commerce physique within the state.
On Friday, Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat instructed BBC Marathi that the brand new initiative might be referred to as ‘Prada Made in India – Impressed by Kolhapuri Chappals [sandals]’.
“Conserving in thoughts Prada’s necessities and demand, some artisans will obtain particular coaching from Prada and LIDCOM [a state-backed entity supporting the leather industry in Maharashtra]. Moreover, round 200 Kolhapuri chappal artisans might be given three years of coaching in Italy,” he stated.
Mr Shirsat stated the settlement had been signed for 5 years, however expressed confidence that it might be prolonged additional.
“The state authorities can even present monetary help to the artisans for this function,” he added.
Named after a metropolis in Maharashtra the place they’re made, Kolhapuri sandals hint their roots again to the twelfth Century.
Constructed from leather-based and typically dyed in pure colors, the normal handcrafted sandals are sturdy and well-suited to India’s scorching local weather.
Following the controversy, many artisans in Kolhapur stated they have been saddened by Prada’s use of the design with out giving due credit score.
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