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Prada Made in India x inspired by Kolhapuri
Chappals Crafted by LIDCOM and LIDKAR artisans

Prada limited-edition collection of sandals, combines traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary design and premium materials to create a unique dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression. The collection has been manufactured in India by skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions.

 

As a part of the project, the Group is pleased to announce the foundation of a training program fully funded by Prada, including through the proceeds of the sale of the limited-edition sandal collection, dedicated to artisans from the eight districts in India where Kolhapuri Chappals are traditionally manufactured.

 

Developed in collaboration with LIDCOM, LIDKAR and leading design institutes - the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Karnataka Institute of Leather & Fashion Technology (KILT) -, the program is designed to strengthen design and technical skills, enabling artisans to create products that meet evolving market needs, while ensuring the continued relevance of this traditional craft.

 

This initiative reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to reinvest in education and culture.

Education

Prada Group is launching a three-year training program dedicated to Indian artisans specializing in Kolhapuri Chappals, with the aim of strengthening their technical and creative skills while enhancing their ability to respond to evolving market needs.
Fully funded by the Group, the initiative will involve 180 artisans aged 18 to 45, structured in six-month modules. The program has been developed in collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, and in partnership with leading design institutes such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology and the Karnataka Institute of Leather & Fashion Technology.
The program brings together design fundamentals, digital skills, and an understanding of market dynamics, with a strong emphasis on practical learning. At the end of each module, the most outstanding participants will have the opportunity to continue their training at the Prada Group Academy in Italy.

A Timeless Legacy

Kolhapuri Chappals trace their origins back to the 13th century, shaped by families of artisans who passed their knowledge down from one generation to the next. Early depictions in sculptures and paintings from the Sunga and Gandhara periods show similar sandals, with forms and motifs still recognizable today. Connected to daily rituals and the life of the body, these sandals have travelled through centuries of stories of kings, merchants, and communities, becoming an emblem of traditional Indian craftsmanship.

Evolution and Innovation

While preserving their traditional essence, Kolhapuri sandals continue to evolve through vibrant colour palettes, lighter materials, modern soles, and contemporary embroidery. The classic T-strap has been reinterpreted into wedge heels, closed-toe design, and more delicate straps for women’s styles, expanding their reach beyond the original unisex appeal. This evolution reflects the resilience of the craft, adapting to contemporary lifestyles while safeguarding its distinctive cultural identity.

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Cultural Recognition and the Future

Traditionally produced across eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Kolhapuri Chappals received the Geographical Indication (GI) designation in 2019, protecting their origin and artisanal techniques. LIDCOM and LIDKAR are the government organizations tasked with safeguarding, promoting and developing the Indian leather industry and heritage of Kolhapuri Chappals, while the collaboration with Prada strengthens the dialogue between Indian heritage and luxury expression. Each pair represents a bridge between past and future, celebrating history, innovation, and the enduring skill of master artisans for generations to come.

Prada Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals leather sandals

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