Prada signs MoU to sell Kohlapuris at India-Italy forum

Sarah J · 2025-12-30T09:47:55.000Z

Italian luxury fashion house Prada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Indian government-backed leather industry organisations - LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd) - to source a limited-edition collection of sandals inspired by India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals. The MoU was signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai, underscoring a new chapter of collaboration between Indian artisan communities and the global luxury fashion sector. The partnership follows criticism that Prada faced earlier in 2025 when a sandal design shown at Milan Fashion Week closely resembled traditional Kolhapuri chappals without initially crediting the craft’s Indian origins. In response to the backlash, Prada acknowledged the inspiration and entered into dialogue with artisan representatives and Indian industry bodies. Under the agreement, the collection - combining centuries-old Indian leather craftsmanship with Prada’s contemporary design and technology -will feature approximately 2,000 pairs of handcrafted sandals made in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the heartlands of Kolhapuri chappal production. The limited-edition line is expected to debut globally in February 2026, selling through select Prada boutiques and online, bringing traditional Indian craft to a worldwide audience. Prada’s move to collaborate with LIDCOM and LIDKAR is also expected to include artisan training and skill exchange programmes, aimed at empowering local makers and preserving heritage craftsmanship while creating new avenues for economic opportunity in India’s leather sector. By formally partnering with Indian artisan organisations and government bodies, this initiative reflects a broader push toward ethical global fashion partnerships that celebrate cultural heritage and ensure traditional crafts are respected and valued at international scale. #StartupEuropeIndiaNetwork #India #Tech #MarketExpansion #Science #AI #Infrastructure #Fashion #Luxury #Kolhapuri #KolhapuriChappals #MadeInIndia #ArtisanEconomy #CulturalHeritage #GlobalCollaboration #Prada #LeatherCraft #EthicalFashion

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Prada signs MoU to sell Kohlapuris at India-Italy forum | SEINET