Italian luxury fashion house Prada has announced a limited-edition collection of sandals made in India, priced at around €800 ($930) per pair. This initiative comes in response to criticism over cultural appropriation and aims to collaborate with Indian artisans, blending traditional craftsmanship with Italian luxury design.

The sandals, inspired by 12th-century Indian Kolhapuri chappals, will be produced in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Prada plans to make 2,000 pairs, combining local artisanal skills with advanced Italian manufacturing techniques, according to Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s Chief Marketing Officer and head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

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Turning Controversy Into Collaboration

Six months ago, Prada faced public backlash when it showcased sandals resembling ancient Indian footwear at its Milan Fashion Week show. The resemblance sparked outrage among Indian artisans and politicians, prompting Prada to admit that its design drew from India’s rich heritage.

In response, Prada entered into agreements with Indian state-backed organizations:

• Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM)
• Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR)

These collaborations aim to support India’s leather heritage, ensure fair remuneration for artisans, and provide training programs to pass on traditional skills to younger generations.

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Artisanal Training and Global Exposure

The Prada-India partnership will last for three years, including:

• Hands-on training programs in India to enhance craftsmanship
• Short-term exchanges at Prada’s Academy in Italy to integrate global design practices
• A focus on preserving heritage crafts threatened by declining demand and cheap imitations

Prerna Deshbhratar, LIDCOM’s managing director, expressed optimism about the initiative:

“Once Prada endorses this craft as a luxury product, the domino effect will increase demand for these chappals, benefiting artisans and preserving cultural heritage.”

Bertelli confirmed that the project, including the training programs, will cost several million euros, with artisans receiving fair compensation for their work.

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Global Launch and Market Plans

The ‘Made in India’ sandals will go on sale globally in February 2026, available across 40 Prada stores worldwide and through online channels.

Despite the India-focused collaboration, Prada does not plan to open additional retail clothing stores or factories in India in the near term. Bertelli noted that while the company is considering expanding into India, any new stores could arrive within three to five years.

India’s luxury goods market, currently valued at around $7 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2030, driven by rising disposable incomes and economic growth. However, this is still smaller than the Chinese luxury market, which reached approximately 350 billion yuan ($49.56 billion) in 2024.

Prada prefers entering India independently, rather than through local partnerships, viewing the country as a high-potential emerging market for luxury fashion.

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Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Luxury

This initiative demonstrates how global fashion brands can transform criticism into positive impact by collaborating with local artisans and promoting traditional craftsmanship. Prada’s effort highlights the growing importance of ethical luxury fashion, cultural appreciation, and the preservation of heritage artisanal skills in a modern global marketplace.