Kolhapuri Chappal Row: Prada Set To Launch ₹84k ‘Made In India’ Sandals
Kolhapuri Chappal Row: Prada Set To Launch ₹84k ‘Made In India’ Sandals
Mumbai, December 11, 2025: In a major boost to India’s traditional leathercraft, global luxury brand Prada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation) and LIDKAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation) to take the iconic Kolhapuri chappals to the international market.
The agreement was signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the Italy–India Business Council meeting. This collaboration aims to blend centuries-old craftsmanship of traditional Kolhapuri chappals with Prada’s contemporary, modern design aesthetics. The specially designed footwear collection will be available at 40 Prada stores worldwide and on its official website by February 2026.
The initiative has received strong support from the Maharashtra government, with guidance from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, and Minister of State for Social Justice Madhuri Misal. The partnership was made possible under the leadership of Principal Secretary and LIDCOM Chairman Dr. Harshadeep Kamble, along with the strategic planning of LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbratar.
Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said the collaboration will greatly benefit artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs in India. The special collection will give Indian artisans fresh visibility and strengthen recognition of their skills worldwide.
LIDCOM MD Prerna Deshbratar emphasised that the partnership is a tribute to generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional craft. With a global luxury brand directly working with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, she said, their skill will receive the recognition and credit it deserves.
LIDKAR Managing Director Dr. K. M. Vasundhara added that the heritage of Kolhapuri chappals reflects centuries of craftsmanship in Maharashtra and Karnataka. This collaboration will create new opportunities for training, employment, and global exposure.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Prada Group, called the partnership a new chapter in cultural exchange. He reiterated Prada’s commitment to giving Indian artisans a rightful place in the modern global fashion arena.
The MoU outlines the project titled “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” detailing the design framework, production guidelines, and implementation plan. The collection will be crafted in India using traditional techniques by skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, combining heritage craftsmanship with contemporary luxury design and premium materials.
Kolhapuri chappals are traditionally made in eight districts—four in Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and four in Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). The Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded in 2019 has helped preserve their authenticity and cultural significance.
