Prada has teamed up with two government organizations in India on a limited-edition collection of leather sandals inspired by the country’s traditional footwear.
The move comes months after receiving backlash online from a T-strap leather sandals that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals – a centuries-old silhouette – that Prada showed during its spring 2026 menswear show in June.
The viral outcry prompted the brand issue a public statement and send delegates to Kolhapur for meetings with Maharashtra-based artisans. Now, Prada is hoping to course correct, and the label signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” on Wednesday at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai in tandem with LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd).
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Prada noted that the agreement sets out the framework, implementation and guidance of the “Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project, which will ensure the collaborative leather sandals will be manufactured in India in collaboration with artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions, where the traditional Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted.
Traditional Kolhapuri chappals are manufactured across eight districts in India: four in Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and four in Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted a Geographical Indication tag, safeguarding their authenticity and highlighting their cultural significance.
Prerna Deshbhratar, managing director of LIDCOM, said in a comment on Thursday that the new collaboration with Prada “reflects an ethical partnership” where a global brand works directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, recognizing their expertise and giving them full credit.
“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,” Deshbhratar noted.
“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,” Dr. K.M. Vasundhara, managing director of LIDKAR, added. “We are proud to join hands with Prada in taking Indian craftsmanship to the global platform.”
Prada noted that this initiative is a new chapter in the “Made In…” project, which was launched by the Italian label 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.
Moving forward, Prada Group, LIDCOM and LIDKAR will “define and implement locally training programs aimed at helping artisans elevate their skills while preserving the traditional craftsmanship that inspired the project,” following the model of the Prada Group Academy.
Prada further noted that it aims 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.
“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,” Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada Group, added. “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 collection will debut globally in February 2026 across 40 select Prada stores and on Prada’s official e-commerce platform.
