By Seekriti Saha
Prada, an Italian luxury brand, senior executive Lorenzo Bertelli announced that the brand will produce limited-edition sandals inspired by the traditional Kohlapuri Chappals of Kohlapur, Maharashtra. On December 11, 2025, Prada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd (LIDCOM) and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDCAR). These are the two Maharashtra government-backed leather development organisations.
The collection will be limited to only 2000 pairs of sandals. The sandals will be globally available in 40 selected global Prada stores and also on its e-commerce platform in February 2026. Each pair will be sold at $930.
Prada highlighted that the new project “celebrates artisanal excellence” of India on a global level and is called “Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals”.
We’ll mix the original manufacturer’s standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques,” Bertelli told the media.
Prada faced social media backlash after it displayed Kohlapuri sandals in their 2026 Spring / Summer menswear show in June 2025, without acknowledging the craftsmanship of the marginalised artisans of Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka.
The chappals received Geographical Indication in 2019. The authentic Kohlapuri Chappals are manufactured by Maharashtra’s four districts – Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur – and Karnataka’s four districts – Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Bijapur.
The origin of Kohlapuri chappals dates to the 12th century. Karnataka’s King Bijjala encouraged the cobbler community to make these shoes for the community’s economic stability. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and his son Rajaram wore the Kolhapuri chappal, which made them grow popular. The chappals were initially called “pie-taan” and got the name Kohlapuri in the 18th century.