Italian luxury fashion house Prada has announced a limited-edition line of high-end sandals to be produced in India, responding to a backlash over cultural appropriation earlier this year. The sandals, inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals, will be made in India and sold globally for about €800 (roughly $930) per pair.
Prada plans to produce 2,000 pairs of these sandals in Maharashtra and Karnataka, under agreements with two Indian state-backed bodies that support local leather industries. The collections will blend indigenous Indian craftsmanship with Italian design and technology.
This initiative comes after social media and political criticism earlier in 2025, when Prada showcased sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals at its Milan fashion show without acknowledging their cultural origins. Photos from the show went viral, prompting uproar from Indian artisans and lawmakers, who accused the brand of cultural appropriation. Prada later publicly acknowledged the Indian inspiration and entered discussions with local artisan groups to address concerns.
The limited-edition sandals will be available from February 2026 through about 40 Prada stores worldwide as well as online. As part of the project, Prada will launch a three-year partnership with Indian artisan organisations, including skills training programmes, opportunities for Indian craftspeople to visit Prada’s Academy in Italy, and efforts to preserve centuries-old crafts. Artisans involved hope this collaboration will boost incomes, attract younger generations to the trade, and protect traditional skills that face pressure from cheap imitations and declining demand.
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Despite the India-made sandals project, Prada said it does not currently plan to open any new full-line retail stores or manufacturing facilities in India. However, it views the Indian luxury market as a growing opportunity for future expansion.
