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Prada Commits to Made-in-India Kolhapuri Collection Following Artisan Negotiations

Prada has outlined plans for supply-chain visits to Kolhapur next week to identify local artisan partners

'Kolhapuri' sandals, an Indian ethnic footwear, are on display at a store in New Delhi, India, June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo
People walk past the store of Italian luxury fashion house Prada on 5th Avenue in New York City, U.S., May 23, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray/File Photo
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MACCIA officials met representatives of Prada through video conference on Friday with a six-point agenda which included recognition and responsible attribution of ethnic products. Prada had showcased the Kolhapuri-chappal inspired footwear (R) at its Spring/Summer show in Milan recently.

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.