Overview
- In remote talks with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Prada agreed to launch a limited-edition Kolhapuri-inspired sandal collection produced under India’s Geographical Indication requirements.
- The luxury house will send its supply-chain team to meet a range of Kolhapuri chappal artisans and approved manufacturers in Maharashtra before finalizing partnerships.
- Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility and son of Prada’s owners, participated in the negotiations to signal the brand’s commitment to ethical collaboration.
- MACCIA said Prada also agreed to explore co-development opportunities for other regional heritage crafts, including Paithani weaving and Himroo textiles.
- The initial uncredited use of Kolhapuri designs had driven a spike in sandal sales and intensified demands from artisans and politicians for proper attribution and benefit-sharing.