A person artisan does work on Kolhapuri at his residence in Kolhapur. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Responding to the backlash in opposition to its current appropriation of Kolhapur’s iconic ‘chappals’, Italian luxurious vogue home Prada intends to launch a restricted version of ‘Made in India’ leather-based sandals, impressed by and in partnership with local artisans, in accordance to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA).
After its first assembly with Prada representatives by way of video conferencing on Friday (July 11, 2025), MACCIA mentioned the style main intends to ship a technical crew to Maharashtra subsequent week in this regard.
“The capsule collection will comply with (geographical indication) GI-tag requirements and highlight Maharashtra’s cultural heritage across global markets. This step marks a significant win for community recognition and inclusion in global design platforms,” a MACCIA consultant mentioned.
“The session focused on cultural recognition, ethical sourcing, and collaboration with Maharashtra’s artisan community — particularly the Kolhapuri chappal industry, which inspired elements of Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 men’s collection,” a MACCIA press assertion mentioned.
News in Frames: Kolhapuri chappals stroll on stylish runways
Cultural respect
Prada was represented by 5 senior officers from its Milan headquarters, together with its Chief Business Development Officer Roberto Massardi, the group’s head of Corporate Socia Responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli and its Global Director of Communications Christopher Bugg. “MACCIA presented six agenda points rooted in cultural respect, co-branded development, and fair trade principles. Prada showed alignment on all key issues and expressed clear interest in long-term engagement with artisan stakeholders,” it added.
The enterprise physique mentioned that the Prada crew showcased profitable world examples of their earlier ‘Made in’ campaigns, that includes Made in Peru, Made in Japan, and Made in Scotland product traces.
Exploring collaboration
Prada representatives have been launched to different heritage crafts from Maharashtra, together with Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas/Payal (anklets), and regional embroidery work, in a pitch for collaborations.
“Prada responded positively and agreed to explore these crafts for potential integration into future collections. The dialogue reflected genuine openness to cultural storytelling through design. Both parties also discussed launching structured knowledge exchange and training programmes between Indian and Italian artisans. Prada expressed interest in supporting artisan skill development, design innovation, and sustainability-led production models through cross-border collaboration and residencies,” the MACCIA consultant mentioned.
“This partnership can become a model for global fashion to work respectfully with traditional communities. We appreciate Prada’s sincerity and look forward to building on this foundation,” MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi mentioned.
Prada had acquired flak globally after it had showcased Kolhapuri chappal-inspired leather-based sandals with out attribution to the artisans who sustain the 800-year outdated unbroken custom of crafting the GI-tagged chappals.
Published – July 12, 2025 10:45 pm IST
