Prada to launch Kolhapuri chappals-inspired limited-edition sandals collection
12 December 2025, Mumbai
Italian luxury house Prada plans to create a limited-edition collection of sandals in India, directly inspired by the country's traditional footwear, including the famous Kolhapuri chappals.
According to Lorenzo Bertelli, Chief Marketing Officer, Head-Corporate Social Responsibility, Prada, these sandals will be made in the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka and will be sold for around €800 (approximately $930) per pair.
The luxury group plans to produce 2,000 pairs of the handcrafted sandals under a deal with two state-backed bodies dedicated to promoting India’s leather heritage: the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and the Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR).
The brand will mix the original manufacturer's standard capabilities with their own manufacturing techniques, says Bertelli. This blend of local craftsmanship with Italian technology and know-how is central to the project's philosophy, he adds.
The collaboration comes six months after Prada faced widespread criticism and outrage from Indian artisans and politicians after showing sandals resembling the 12th-century Kolhapuri chappals at a Milan show without giving credit. Prada acknowledged its design drew from ancient Indian styles and initiated talks for this new collaborative agreement.
The limited-edition collection is set to go on sale in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online.
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