Prada Unveils Kolhapuri-Inspired Sandals, Launches Artisan Training In India

India-West News Desk

BENGALURU -Prada on April 27 announced the global launch of a limited-edition sandal collection “inspired by” India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals, alongside a major artisan training program aimed at preserving and evolving the centuries-old craft.

The collection, part of the “Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project introduced in December 2025, is now available in 40 selected Prada boutiques worldwide and on its digital platform, it said.

Manufactured in India by skilled craftspeople from Maharashtra and Karnataka, regions historically associated with Kolhapuri chappal production, the sandals merge traditional handcrafting techniques with Prada’s modern design sensibility and premium materials. The result is a collection that seeks to bridge heritage craftsmanship with global luxury fashion.

The project has been developed in collaboration with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd, two government-backed organizations focused on promoting and sustaining India’s leather industry and traditional crafts.

Beyond the commercial launch, Prada also announced a three-year, fully funded training program designed to support artisans from eight districts where Kolhapuri chappals are traditionally made. The initiative will train 180 artisans in total, offering structured six-month modules that combine design education, technical skill development, and market-oriented training.

The program is being developed in partnership with leading Indian institutes, including National Institute of Fashion Technology and Karnataka Institute of Leather & Fashion Technology, where the courses will be conducted. Participants will gain hands-on experience in dedicated studios equipped with modern tools and materials, while also learning about evolving consumer trends and product development processes.

“Education is a fundamental pillar in ensuring that craftsmanship remains a living practice,” said Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Prada Group. “With this training program, we are translating a shared cultural dialogue into a concrete opportunity for learning and growth.”

He added that structured training not only safeguards traditional knowledge but also strengthens local communities and enables artisans to adapt to changing market demands.

The initiative underscores a broader trend within the global luxury industry, where heritage crafts are increasingly being integrated into contemporary design narratives. By pairing a commercial product launch with long-term investment in artisan education, Prada is positioning the project as both a cultural collaboration and a sustainable development effort.