The new collection, priced at about 750 euros ($881) per pair according to Prada’s website, comes after the brand drew backlash during a Milan fashion show last year when it presented sandals resembling the centuries-old Kolhapuri chappal, a handcrafted leather footwear style originating in western India.

The designs triggered criticism from Indian artisans, politicians and cultural commentators, who accused the luxury label of cultural appropriation and failing to credit the traditional craft and the communities that have preserved it for generations.

Kolhapuri chappals, named after the city of Kolhapur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, are known for their hand-stitched leatherwork and have been made by artisan families for centuries. The footwear received Geographical Indication (GI) status in India, recognizing its regional and cultural significance.

The controversy intensified as images from Prada’s runway circulated widely on social media, with critics arguing that luxury reinterpretations of traditional crafts without attribution or economic benefit to original makers reflected broader imbalances in the global fashion industry.

The latest launch signals an effort by Prada to respond to those concerns by linking production directly to Indian craftsmanship and explicitly positioning the sandals as Indian-made.

While Prada has not publicly detailed the scale of artisan involvement or sourcing arrangements, the move is being closely watched by both fashion industry observers and artisan groups as a test of how global luxury brands engage with heritage designs from non-Western markets.

India’s luxury and handicrafts sectors have increasingly pushed for stronger recognition of indigenous design traditions, particularly as global fashion houses draw inspiration from local textiles, embroidery and footwear styles.

For Indian artisans, the issue extends beyond aesthetics to economic participation and intellectual acknowledgment, especially when heritage crafts are translated into high-priced international luxury products.

At 750 euros a pair, the Prada sandals are positioned far above the price of traditional Kolhapuri chappals sold in local Indian markets, where handmade versions are often produced by small-scale artisans and family workshops.

The launch reflects a broader debate within luxury fashion over the line between inspiration and appropriation, and whether heritage crafts can be commercialized internationally without sidelining the communities that created them.

Organized by the Fashion Commission in collaboration with Collateral Good, IE University, Misk City, Entrepreneurs’ Community by Misk, and Proaltus Capital Partners, the event will take place on November 25 at Misk City.

The forum aims to unite leaders from across industries — fashion, textiles, investment, and education — to discuss the future of sustainability and creative innovation in Saudi Arabia’s growing fashion sector.

The event reflects the Kingdom’s vision to establish a strong, responsible, and forward-thinking fashion ecosystem that aligns with global environmental and economic goals.

Hosted in Misk City, the event represents the city’s broader mission to nurture creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability across multiple sectors.

Misk City continues to stand as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s future-ready approach, providing a collaborative platform for innovation and education.

The forum will further enhance this mission by bringing together pioneers in design, technology, and sustainable business practices.

The “Saudi Fabric of the Future” event will feature a diverse lineup of global and local leaders, including government officials, textile innovators, venture capitalists, and creative professionals.

Through a series of panel discussions, interactive workshops, and keynote sessions, participants will explore how technology, sustainable materials, and investment opportunities can transform the Kingdom’s fashion industry.

The forum is not only a celebration of creativity but also a strategic initiative to drive long-term change. It will highlight topics such as circular fashion, renewable materials, ethical production, and investment in sustainable manufacturing.

These discussions will help shape the future of a responsible and globally competitive fashion ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

A key highlight of the event will be exclusive roundtable sessions designed to connect policymakers, investors, and academic experts.

These sessions will encourage collaborative decision-making and strategic partnerships that can accelerate innovation and sustainability in the fashion sector.

By uniting different fields, the forum aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in environmentally conscious and technologically advanced fashion.

The event will also feature a dynamic competition for Saudi entrepreneurs, where participants will present their fashion and sustainability-driven innovations.

Winners will receive mentorship from industry experts, financial support, and opportunities for real-world exposure through collaborations with established brands.

This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s focus on empowering youth and fostering local talent to become global trendsetters in sustainable design.

Networking sessions will serve as another key component, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with investors, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers.

These interactions are expected to open doors for new collaborations, investments, and business ventures that can expand the Kingdom’s fashion and textile industries into new global markets.

By promoting sustainability, innovation, and investment together, this forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to aligning with Vision 2030 objectives.

It represents a forward-looking commitment to developing industries that balance creativity with environmental and social responsibility.

The Fashion Commission’s leadership, in partnership with Misk City and its collaborators, is paving the way for the next generation of sustainable designers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Through “Saudi Fabric of the Future,” Riyadh is taking a major step toward redefining fashion as an engine for cultural identity, economic growth, and ecological balance.

The event is expected to attract significant international attention and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional and global leader in sustainable fashion.