Prada's team travels to Kolhapur in response to public criticism about overpriced Kolhapuris footwear.
In a significant move towards cultural respect and ethical collaboration, luxury fashion brand Prada has visited Kolhapur, India, to engage with local artisans behind the traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The visit, which took place on July 14-15, 2025, follows a virtual meeting between Prada and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) last week.
The Prada delegation, led by Paolo Tiveron, Director of Men's Technical and Production (Footwear), Daniele Contu, Pattern Making Manager, and consultants Andrea and Roberto Pollastrelli, was warmly welcomed by MACCIA President Lalit Gandhi and other officials in Subhash Nagar, a neighbourhood known for its traditional footwear artisans.
During their visit, the Prada team interacted with veteran artisans such as Bhupal Shete and Balasaheb Gawali, and experienced the comfort and tradition embedded in every pair of Kolhapuri chappals. They even removed their own shoes to try on the handcrafted chappals, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate process behind these iconic Indian footwear.
The visit comes after Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan featured Kolhapuri-style sandals, sparking criticism and accusations of cultural appropriation. In response, Prada has taken concrete steps towards an ethical collaboration with local artisans and Maharashtra-based organizations.
One of the key developments is Prada's plan to launch a limited-edition "Made in India" Kolhapuri-inspired sandal collection in direct collaboration with over 3,000 Maharashtra artisans. This partnership will comply with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag requirements that Kolhapuri sandals hold, ensuring proper cultural recognition and fair compensation for the craftsmen involved.
Beyond Kolhapuri sandals, Prada is exploring partnerships with Indian artisans specialising in other heritage crafts such as Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas/Payal (anklets), and regional embroidery, signalling a broader and deeper commitment to Indian cultural heritage.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce sees this collaboration as a "paradigm shift for Indian craftsmanship" and believes the controversy has ultimately benefited artisans by fostering collaboration and elevating demand for their traditional crafts.
In summary, Prada has responded to the cultural appropriation accusations by proactively pursuing an authentic, respectful, and mutually beneficial collaboration with Indian artisans of Kolhapur. This effort includes ensuring fair trade practices, cultural recognition, and capacity building, which not only addresses the controversy but also sets a precedent for future engagements between luxury brands and traditional craft communities in India.
- The visit by Prada to Kolhapur, India, marked a significant step in the fashion industry, as the luxury brand collaborated with local artisans to gain a deeper understanding of the traditional Kolhapuri chappals, setting a precedent for future engagements between luxury brands and traditional craft communities.
- In response to criticism over cultural appropriation, Prada has taken concrete steps towards ethical collaboration with Indian artisans, including launching a "Made in India" Kolhapuri-inspired sandal collection in direct collaboration with over 3,000 Maharashtra artisans, complying with Geographical Indication (GI) tag requirements for proper cultural recognition and fair compensation.
- Beyond Kolhapuri sandals, Prada is exploring partnerships with Indian artisans specialising in other heritage crafts such as Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas/Payal (anklets), and regional embroidery, signalling a broader and deeper commitment to Indian cultural heritage as part of their lifestyle and business strategies.
- The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) views this collaboration as a "paradigm shift for Indian craftsmanship," believing that the controversy has ultimately benefited artisans by fostering collaboration and elevating demand for their traditional crafts, thereby contributing to the entertainment, finance, and overall lifestyle industries.
