Overview

• Prada publicly acknowledged that its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear sandals were inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals after originally describing them simply as “leather sandals.”
• Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada, confirmed the sandals remain at an early design stage with no pieces approved for production or commercialisation.
• The fashion house has initiated discussions with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, artisan representatives and political leaders on proper recognition and potential collaboration.
• Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation is evaluating cross-border legal avenues to enforce India’s Geographical Indication protections for Kolhapuri designs.
• Stakeholders are negotiating a revenue-sharing framework and the use of “Kolhapuri” labelling to ensure artisans receive credit and financial benefits.