Mumbai, India – Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has announced a limited-edition collection of Kolhapuri-inspired sandals, priced at $939 per pair, after facing criticism for allegedly copying the traditional Indian design without credit.
The collection, called “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals”, will feature 2,000 pairs produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka through partnerships with state-backed organizations. Prada plans to combine traditional artisan techniques with its modern luxury manufacturing methods, according to Lorenzo Bertelli, the company’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We’ll mix the original artisans’ standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques,” Bertelli said.
