Prada launches $930 ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuri sandals after backlash

Global fashion brand Prada has announced a range of limited-edition shoes inspired by the Indian-made Kolhapuri sandal, months after the brand faced backlash for allegedly stealing the sandal’s design.

According to Reuters, the Italian luxury brand will produce 2,000 pairs of sandals in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka under an agreement with two government-backed entities.

Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility at Prada, said: “We will combine the standard capabilities of the original manufacturer with our manufacturing technology.”

The collection will be available online and in 40 Prada stores worldwide from February 2026.

A pair of sandals is reportedly priced at $939, which is approximately £800 and Rs 84,000.

The agreement was signed on Thursday during the Italy-India Business Forum 2025.

In June, Prada sparked controversy when it launched open-toed woven pattern sandals that were very similar to the traditional Kolhapuri sandals made in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Prada described the sandals as “leather shoes” without mentioning their Indian origins, sparking backlash and accusations of cultural appropriation in India.

brand Later admitted to the shoe design Indian roots.

A Prada spokesperson told the BBC at the time that the company “has always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions,” adding that it was “in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on this topic.” This is a well-known industrial trade body in the state.

On Friday, Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat told BBC Marathi that the new initiative will be called “Prada Made in India – inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals (sandals)”.

“Considering the requirements and needs of Prada, some artisans will receive special training from Prada and LIDCOM (a state-supported entity supporting the leather industry in Maharashtra). Additionally, around 200 Kolhapuri chappal artisans will undergo three years of training in Italy,” he said.

Mr Hilsaat said the agreement was signed for five years but expressed confidence that it could be extended further.

“The state government will also provide financial assistance to artisans for this purpose,” he added.

Named after the city in Maharashtra where they were produced, Kolhapuri sandals date back to the 12th century.

Made from leather, sometimes dyed in natural colors, traditional handmade sandals are durable and well-suited to India’s hot climate.

After the controversy, Many artisans in Kolhapur say they feel sad Prada used this design without giving it due credit.