Mumbai, Dec 11, 2025: Italian luxury fashion house Prada has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two Indian government organisations—LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd)—to source a limited-edition collection of sandals inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The MoU was formalised on Wednesday at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, marking a significant step in blending Indian artisanal heritage with global luxury fashion.

The project, titled “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals”, aims to celebrate Indian craftsmanship by producing sandals that combine traditional techniques with contemporary design and premium materials. The collection will be handcrafted in India with the involvement of skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, the regions historically renowned for producing authentic Kolhapuri chappals.

Preserving Indian Craftsmanship

Both LIDCOM and LIDKAR are government-run organisations dedicated to preserving and promoting the Indian leather industry while sustaining the centuries-old heritage of Kolhapuri chappals. These chappals, granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, are traditionally manufactured across eight districts—four in Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and four in Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). The GI tag recognises the chappals’ unique design and craftsmanship, reflecting their cultural and historical significance.

The collaboration with Prada is expected to not only elevate the profile of these traditional artisans but also provide them with structured training opportunities. The initiative will include local training programmes modelled after the Prada Group Academy, aimed at upskilling artisans, ensuring that traditional techniques continue to thrive, and creating learning and employment opportunities for younger generations within the local communities.

Background and Cultural Sensitivity

The partnership comes in the wake of controversy earlier this year when Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection featured leather sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals. The collection sparked accusations of cultural appropriation and alleged infringement of the chappals’ GI tag. Although Prada denied any legal violation, citing inspiration rather than replication, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture had formally raised concerns about respecting India’s intellectual property and cultural heritage.

By formalising a collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, Prada is taking concrete steps to acknowledge the contribution of Indian artisans and to ensure that future collections are ethically and culturally aligned with India’s craftsmanship traditions. The project represents a model of mutually respectful collaboration between global fashion brands and local heritage industries.

A Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity

According to the joint statement issued after the MoU signing, the collection “creates a unique dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression.” By integrating traditional handcrafting methods with Prada’s design sensibilities, the project is expected to produce sandals that are both contemporary and authentic, appealing to an international audience while maintaining the integrity of the original craft.

This collaboration is also expected to contribute to the broader revitalisation of India’s leather industry, creating new market opportunities for local artisans and helping preserve a cultural practice that is centuries old. Prada’s involvement brings global visibility to the craft, potentially increasing demand for authentic Kolhapuri chappals and generating sustainable economic benefits for the artisan communities.

Training and Skill Development

A key component of the initiative will be the establishment of training and mentoring programmes for local artisans. The aim is to foster skill exchange, innovation, and knowledge transfer while respecting the traditional methods that define Kolhapuri chappals. The programme will enable artisans to adapt their craftsmanship to meet global luxury standards, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of sustaining the craft for future generations.

Prada’s engagement in India also reflects a growing trend among luxury fashion brands to collaborate with local communities, ensuring ethical sourcing, cultural sensitivity, and social responsibility. By providing artisans with both a platform and resources, Prada’s project is likely to serve as a benchmark for future initiatives that merge traditional craftsmanship with global fashion markets.

Looking Ahead

The “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project represents a convergence of tradition, modern design, and economic opportunity. Through this initiative, Prada, in collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, aims to honour India’s artisanal legacy, provide sustainable livelihoods for artisans, and introduce the world to the rich heritage of Kolhapuri chappals.

In a statement, the joint release noted: “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.”

By sourcing these handcrafted sandals directly from India’s heritage leather bodies, Prada not only strengthens its commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion but also positions itself as a brand that actively engages with and respects the cultural origins of its inspirations. The project is expected to roll out as a limited-edition collection, offering international consumers a unique combination of luxury design and Indian artisanal tradition.

This initiative marks a milestone in global fashion’s recognition of Indian craftsmanship, highlighting how heritage industries can benefit from collaborations with multinational brands while preserving authenticity and empowering local communities.