Prada announces Kolhapuri inspired sandals made in India

Luxury fashion house Prada has announced it will launch a limited edition line of Kolhapuri inspired sandals made in India, months after facing criticism for allegedly copying the traditional design without proper acknowledgment. The new collection is positioned as a collaborative effort and will see the iconic footwear produced in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, where Kolhapuri sandals have been crafted by local artisans for generations.

Backlash that sparked a rethink

The move follows controversy earlier this year when Prada showcased open toe braided leather sandals that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals. At the time, the brand described the footwear simply as leather sandals, making no reference to their Indian heritage. This sparked widespread backlash in India, with designers, artisans, and cultural commentators accusing the brand of cultural appropriation and erasing the origins of a centuries old craft. Social media amplified the criticism, pushing the issue into global fashion conversations.

A formal partnership with Indian states

According to reports, Prada has now entered into an agreement with two state backed organizations in Maharashtra and Karnataka to produce the sandals locally. Around two thousand pairs will be manufactured under this partnership. The deal was signed during the Italy India Business Forum 2025, giving the collaboration an official government backed framework. The involvement of state entities is being seen as an effort to ensure legitimacy, oversight, and recognition for regional craftsmanship.

Blending traditional craft with luxury production

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s head of corporate social responsibility, said the company plans to combine the original manufacturers’ capabilities with Prada’s own production techniques. The statement signals an attempt to balance traditional methods with the finishing standards expected in the luxury market. While details about artisan compensation and long term collaboration have not been fully disclosed, Prada has emphasized that the sandals will be genuinely made in India rather than merely inspired by Indian design.

Premium pricing raises questions

The sandals are expected to retail for around nine hundred thirty nine dollars per pair, equivalent to roughly eight hundred pounds or eighty four thousand Indian rupees. This price point has already sparked debate. Traditional Kolhapuri sandals typically sell for a fraction of that cost in local markets. Critics argue that while global exposure is welcome, such pricing highlights the stark contrast between artisan earnings and luxury brand markups. Supporters counter that the price reflects branding, international retail costs, and luxury positioning rather than just production value.

Global release planned for 2026

Prada has said the collection will go on sale in February two thousand twenty six. The sandals will be available online and in forty Prada stores worldwide. By limiting production, the brand appears to be framing the footwear as a collectible item rather than a mass market product. This approach aligns with Prada’s broader strategy of exclusivity while testing consumer response to culturally rooted designs.

A broader debate in fashion

The Kolhapuri episode highlights a growing tension in the global fashion industry around cultural inspiration, ownership, and fair recognition. As luxury brands increasingly look to traditional crafts for design ideas, consumers and governments are demanding transparency and respect for origins. Prada’s revised approach may help repair its image, but it also sets a precedent that other global brands will be closely watching.