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.

A global luxury brand transforms criticism into a large-scale partnership with Indian artisans, celebrating heritage craftsmanship while expanding its creative vision.

Prada is preparing to launch a limited-edition collection of luxury sandals made in India, marking a significant shift toward cultural collaboration after earlier criticism regarding design inspiration.

The upcoming collection reflects the brand’s decision to work directly with Indian artisans, turning a moment of backlash into an opportunity for innovation, exchange and respect for traditional craftsmanship.

The sandals, priced at around $930, draw inspiration from the historic Kolhapuri chappals, a centuries-old footwear tradition rooted in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Prada’s leadership has framed this initiative as a chance to blend Indian handcrafting excellence with Italian design expertise, creating a product that honours both cultures.

Under the new collaboration, Prada plans to produce 2,000 pairs of the handcrafted sandals through partnerships with two state-supported organisations, LIDCOM and LIDKAR.

These institutions work to preserve India’s leather craft heritage and support artisan communities, many of whom have long relied on traditional footwear production for livelihood.

The agreement includes a three-year skill development programme designed to strengthen artisan capabilities and introduce them to global luxury standards.

The training will take place both in India and at Prada’s Academy in Italy, offering artisans international exposure and an avenue to learn new techniques.

Artisans and industry leaders believe that the initiative will bolster income, attract younger generations to the trade and revive a craft threatened by cheap imitations.

Local representatives say the collaboration signals a meaningful acknowledgment of India’s cultural contribution to global design.

Prada executives have emphasised that artisans will be fairly compensated and that the brand sees this partnership as long-term, not merely reactive.

They describe the project as an investment worth several million euros, intended to elevate craftsmanship and build lasting bonds across continents.

The collection will be available globally from February 2026 in selected Prada boutiques and online, giving Indian craftsmanship visibility on an international stage.

The brand believes the move will help create a wider appreciation for Kolhapuri footwear traditions and the communities that sustain them.

Although Prada has expanded selectively into the Indian market with a beauty store in Delhi, it does not plan immediate clothing retail expansion in the country.

Executives note that future stores are under consideration within a three- to five-year horizon, as India’s luxury sector continues to grow.

India’s luxury market is rising rapidly, projected to increase from $7 billion in 2024 to nearly $30 billion by 2030, driven by growing disposable incomes and economic expansion.

Prada views India as a long-term opportunity but aims to enter through direct operations rather than via local partnerships, aligning with its global brand strategy.

Industry analysts say the collaboration represents a thoughtful response to cultural concerns and demonstrates how global brands can engage respectfully with traditional art forms.

By integrating heritage techniques into high-end fashion, Prada is building a bridge between luxury consumers and artisanal communities that have preserved skills for centuries.

The initiative underscores how cultural acknowledgment, fair partnerships and intentional investment can transform criticism into constructive collaboration.

As the collection prepares for its global debut, it symbolises a renewed respect for Indian craftsmanship and a shared future in luxury design.