Prada marks a significant new chapter in the dialogue between global luxury and traditional craftsmanship with the launch of “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals,” the result of an agreement signed in Mumbai with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, the leading government institutions dedicated to safeguarding and promoting India’s leatherworking heritage. The project celebrates the artisanal excellence of craftspeople from Maharashtra and Karnataka, guardians of the centuries-old tradition of Kolhapuri Chappals, the iconic footwear recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) for its authenticity and cultural importance.
The collection, which blends traditional techniques with contemporary design language, will be entirely produced in India through a collaborative model that fully acknowledges the role and expertise of local artisans. Prada thus expands its ongoing “Made In…” initiative—launched over a decade ago to explore and elevate global craftsmanship—transforming each project into a cultural and creative exchange. The partner institutions highlight the significance of an alliance that not only preserves an ancient craft but also opens new economic and educational opportunities for the communities involved; in the same spirit, Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility of the Prada Group, reaffirms the brand’s commitment to developing local training programs inspired by the Prada Group Academy, ensuring continuity and a future for these unique skills. The capsule will debut globally in February 2026 across 40 selected boutiques and on the brand’s official website, bringing Indian craftsmanship to an international stage and reaffirming the value of a form of luxury that goes beyond reinterpreting tradition to actively support and uplift it, turning it into an authentic bridge between cultures.
