Italian luxury brand Prada will release a limited-edition line of Kolhapuri-inspired sandals, priced at $930, following criticism over cultural appropriation.
The 2,000 pairs will be handcrafted in Maharashtra and Karnataka, in collaboration with state-backed organizations, and will go on sale in February 2026, online and in 40 global Prada stores.
Prada said it will combine traditional craftsmanship with its own techniques. Some local artisans will receive specialized training in India, while about 200 will train in Italy over three years. The agreement, signed at the Italy-India Business Forum 2025, spans five years and may be extended.
Kolhapuri sandals, named after a city in Maharashtra, date back to the 12th century. Made from leather, often naturally dyed, they are durable and ideal for India’s climate. Prada previously faced backlash for showcasing similar sandals without crediting their Indian origins, a controversy it has now addressed with this collaboration.
