Kolhapuri chappal row: Prada to launch capsule collection of ‘Made in India’ sandals with local artisans in Maharashtra 

Responding to the backlash in opposition to its latest 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 native artisans, in response to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Trade 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 staff to Maharashtra subsequent week on this regard.

“The capsule assortment will adjust to (geographical indication) GI-tag necessities and spotlight Maharashtra’s cultural heritage throughout international markets. This step marks a big win for neighborhood recognition and inclusion in international design platforms,” a MACCIA consultant mentioned.

“The session centered on cultural recognition, moral sourcing, and collaboration with Maharashtra’s artisan neighborhood — significantly the Kolhapuri chappal business, which impressed components of Prada’s Spring/Summer season 2026 males’s assortment,” a MACCIA press assertion mentioned.

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Cultural respect

Prada was represented by 5 senior officers from its Milan headquarters, together with its Chief Enterprise Growth Officer Roberto Massardi, the group’s head of Company Socia Duty Lorenzo Bertelli and its International Director of Communications Christopher Bugg. “MACCIA offered six agenda factors rooted in cultural respect, co-branded growth, and truthful commerce rules. Prada confirmed alignment on all key points and expressed clear curiosity in long-term engagement with artisan stakeholders,” it added.

The enterprise physique mentioned that the Prada staff showcased profitable international examples of their earlier ‘Made in’ campaigns, that includes Made in Peru, Made in Japan, and Made in Scotland product strains.

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 discover these crafts for potential integration into future collections. The dialogue mirrored real openness to cultural storytelling by way of design. Each events additionally mentioned launching structured data change and coaching programmes between Indian and Italian artisans. Prada expressed curiosity in supporting artisan ability growth, design innovation, and sustainability-led manufacturing fashions by way of cross-border collaboration and residencies,” the MACCIA consultant mentioned.

“This partnership can develop into a mannequin for international vogue to work respectfully with conventional communities. We admire Prada’s sincerity and sit up for constructing on this basis,” 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 previous unbroken custom of crafting the GI-tagged chappals.