Prada, which is an Italian luxury brand, has been making attempts to build a relationship once again with craftsmen from India after the backlash they got over cultural misuse. The have taken an effort to launch a new line of sandals which are traditionally inspired that adorns the label “made in India”.
After the controversy in 2025, where sandals that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals (centuries-old Indian-styled footwear) were showcased by Prada in a fashion show that was held in Milan, it was quickly criticised as Indian artisans, politicians and even bodies in the industry rose to claim their displeasing emotions due to the lack of credit given to India’s origins. These groups of people claimed that the brand simply overlooked the historical significance as well as culture of the design and type of footwear.
As a response to this, Prada has revealed a limited-edition collection that directly acknowledges the roots of this Indian design. By collaborating with various groups of craftsmen, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, to produce the sandals in India, the brand aims to resonate with Indians worldwide. By focusing on these two regions, which are traditionally associated with Kolhapuri craftsmanship, Prada’s attempt at redefining their respect for the origins of India can be promised.
Each pair is priced at approximately €750 (around $880), positioning the product firmly within the global luxury market. The collection is expected to be sold in about 40 selected Prada stores worldwide as well as online, offering international exposure to a craft that has long been part of India’s cultural heritage.
Taking even further steps that go beyond this project launch, Prada has also brought forth an initiative whose primary aim is to support and empower Indian artisans. The three-year training programme which was announced by the company is set to target around 180 craftsmen from eight different districts that are known for creating Kolhapuri sandals. This programme, delivered in structured modules, will be led by Indian design institutes that combine traditional techniques with modern production skills.
This exchange provides participants with the opportunity to gain international experience, including visits to Prada’s training facilities in Italy, thereby connecting traditional craftsmanship with the contemporary style of modern fashion wear. This bridge also makes sure that artisans gain a benefit directly through these global collaborations.
The Kolhapuri chappals themselves hold deep cultural value in India and are protected under a geographical indication (GI) tag, which recognises their unique origin and craftsmanship. Prada had intensified criticism and raised questions about intellectual property and fair representation in global fashion.
Notes have been made by the observers in the industry that this move that is made by Prada could give an impression on how luxury brands are worth with crafts that are traditional in the upcoming future. By directly collaborating with artisans and investing highly in developing skills, companies might end up being able to create more fair partnerships, all the while preserving the heritage of cultures.
This project’s goal is to rebuild trust and emphasise the growing need for transparency and respect for cultures in the global fashion industry.
It is also evident how there is an effort that is made by the current fashion industry to not let the traditional spark of fashion die and how it is working hard to preserve it. It can be identified that it is now becoming more apparently important to include it with the modern-day fashion statements to be carried out into the entire world.
