The sandals are being manufactured in India by artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka—regions long associated with the handcrafted legacy of Kolhapuri footwear. The initiative has been facilitated by Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), a state-run body established in 1974 under Maharashtra’s Social Justice Department to support leather artisan communities.
Officials describe the launch as more than a commercial collaboration. “This is a moment of global recognition for a centuries-old Indian craft,” said Prerna Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM. She noted that the initiative reflects decades of institutional effort to preserve and promote the dignity and livelihoods of traditional artisans.
Kolhapuri chappals, known for their durability and intricate handcrafting, received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2009, formally recognising their regional and cultural significance. The current collaboration marks one of the most prominent global endorsements of the craft to date.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the launch a “moment of national pride,” stating that the journey of Kolhapuri chappals—from artisan workshops to international luxury stores—demonstrates the strength of India’s “Made in India” narrative. He emphasised that the recognition reflects both the skill of artisans and the institutional backing provided by LIDCOM.
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Beyond the product launch, the partnership includes a structured three-year training programme funded بالكامل by Prada. The programme will be conducted at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology (KILT), aiming to enhance artisans’ design and technical capabilities. A select group of artisans will also receive advanced training at Prada’s academy in Italy, offering exposure to global design practices.
Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat highlighted the broader social implications of the collaboration, stating that it represents “real respect” for the labour and heritage of artisan communities. He described Kolhapuri chappals as not just footwear but a symbol of regional pride and identity.
Sources familiar with the negotiations attribute the success of the partnership largely to LIDCOM’s role in structuring the agreement. Officials indicate that the corporation ensured that artisan welfare and intellectual property rights remained central to the discussions. Harshadeep Kamble, Principal Secretary in the Social Justice Department, noted that the process involved navigating complex international legal frameworks while safeguarding the interests of traditional craftsmen.
The collaboration follows a controversy earlier this year when Kolhapuri-style sandals appeared in Prada’s Spring 2026 menswear showcase, triggering criticism over cultural appropriation. In response, Prada issued a statement and subsequently engaged directly with stakeholders in India. A delegation visited Kolhapur and LIDCOM’s facilities, initiating discussions that eventually led to a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai.
Deshbhratar later travelled to Italy to finalise the agreement, which she described as a step toward “sustainable global positioning” of Indian craftsmanship. She emphasised that long-term value creation for artisans was a non-negotiable aspect of the deal.
Industry observers view the partnership as a potential template for future collaborations between global brands and traditional craft sectors. By combining institutional backing, legal safeguards, and skill development initiatives, the model demonstrates how heritage crafts can enter international markets without compromising their origins or the welfare of artisan communities.
For India’s handicrafts ecosystem, the Prada–LIDCOM partnership underscores a broader lesson: that preserving authenticity, strengthening institutions, and negotiating from a position of cultural and economic confidence can open pathways to global recognition.
Prada–LIDCOM Collaboration Puts Kolhapuri Craft on Global Luxury Stage
Digital Desk
The sandals are being manufactured in India by artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka—regions long associated with the handcrafted legacy of Kolhapuri footwear. The initiative has been facilitated by Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), a state-run body established in 1974 under Maharashtra’s Social Justice Department to support leather artisan communities.
Officials describe the launch as more than a commercial collaboration. “This is a moment of global recognition for a centuries-old Indian craft,” said Prerna Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM. She noted that the initiative reflects decades of institutional effort to preserve and promote the dignity and livelihoods of traditional artisans.
Kolhapuri chappals, known for their durability and intricate handcrafting, received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2009, formally recognising their regional and cultural significance. The current collaboration marks one of the most prominent global endorsements of the craft to date.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the launch a “moment of national pride,” stating that the journey of Kolhapuri chappals—from artisan workshops to international luxury stores—demonstrates the strength of India’s “Made in India” narrative. He emphasised that the recognition reflects both the skill of artisans and the institutional backing provided by LIDCOM.
Beyond the product launch, the partnership includes a structured three-year training programme funded بالكامل by Prada. The programme will be conducted at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology (KILT), aiming to enhance artisans’ design and technical capabilities. A select group of artisans will also receive advanced training at Prada’s academy in Italy, offering exposure to global design practices.
Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat highlighted the broader social implications of the collaboration, stating that it represents “real respect” for the labour and heritage of artisan communities. He described Kolhapuri chappals as not just footwear but a symbol of regional pride and identity.
Sources familiar with the negotiations attribute the success of the partnership largely to LIDCOM’s role in structuring the agreement. Officials indicate that the corporation ensured that artisan welfare and intellectual property rights remained central to the discussions. Harshadeep Kamble, Principal Secretary in the Social Justice Department, noted that the process involved navigating complex international legal frameworks while safeguarding the interests of traditional craftsmen.
The collaboration follows a controversy earlier this year when Kolhapuri-style sandals appeared in Prada’s Spring 2026 menswear showcase, triggering criticism over cultural appropriation. In response, Prada issued a statement and subsequently engaged directly with stakeholders in India. A delegation visited Kolhapur and LIDCOM’s facilities, initiating discussions that eventually led to a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai.
Deshbhratar later travelled to Italy to finalise the agreement, which she described as a step toward “sustainable global positioning” of Indian craftsmanship. She emphasised that long-term value creation for artisans was a non-negotiable aspect of the deal.
Industry observers view the partnership as a potential template for future collaborations between global brands and traditional craft sectors. By combining institutional backing, legal safeguards, and skill development initiatives, the model demonstrates how heritage crafts can enter international markets without compromising their origins or the welfare of artisan communities.
For India’s handicrafts ecosystem, the Prada–LIDCOM partnership underscores a broader lesson: that preserving authenticity, strengthening institutions, and negotiating from a position of cultural and economic confidence can open pathways to global recognition.
