Prada launches Rs 83,000 Kolhapuri sandals made in India
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Italian luxury brand Prada has announced the launch of limited-edition Kolhapuri sandals priced at around Rs 83,000, nearly a year after facing criticism over cultural appropriation.
According to the company, the sandals will be manufactured in India and sold through 40 selected stores globally as well as online.
The move follows backlash in June last year when Prada showcased footwear resembling traditional Kolhapuri designs but described them as generic leather sandals without acknowledging their Indian origins. The designs closely mirrored handcrafted footwear from Maharashtra and Karnataka, triggering criticism.
In response, Prada said the new collection is inspired by and will be produced in the regions traditionally associated with Kolhapuri sandal-making. The company plans to manufacture around 2,000 pairs.
As part of its outreach, Prada has also announced a three-year training programme for artisans from eight districts known for producing Kolhapuri footwear. The initiative, set to begin next month, will initially cover around 180 artisans and include structured six-month training modules.
The programme will be conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Selected artisans will also get an opportunity to visit the Prada Group Academy in Italy for technical training.
NIFT Director General Tanu Kashyap said the initiative could help bring Indian traditional crafts to a global platform.
The episode is among several instances where global fashion brands have faced criticism for rebranding Indian designs without proper credit. Recently, Ralph Lauren also drew scrutiny over its description of a bandhani skirt.
In India, Kohlapuri chappals cost from Rs 1,200 to Rs 4,500 depending on the intricacy of the design and heritage style. Classic options made in standard artisan quality often use traditional braided leather "veni" straps and cost up to Rs 2,200. GI-tagged chappals cost up to Rs 4,000 and are ensured to be made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Indian designer brands like Kalapuri, Vhaan, and Fizzy Goblet have Kohlapuris with some modern elements, even though they work with artisans. They can cost up to Rs 7,000.