Prada Signs Deal for Kolhapuri Chappals

In a landmark fashion–heritage collaboration, Prada has signed an MoU with India’s LIDCOM and LIDKAR to take the iconic Kolhapuri chappal to luxury markets worldwide. The agreement brings centuries-old leather craftsmanship from Maharashtra and Karnataka directly into the global design ecosystem, blending traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary aesthetic.

The MoU, signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the Italy–India Business Council meeting, outlines a full-scale partnership under the project “Prada Made in India, Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals.” The exclusive line will be handcrafted in India and showcased across Prada’s 40 international boutiques and its official website by February 2026.

State leadership and social justice departments across Maharashtra have backed the project, calling it a transformative opportunity for artisans who have long preserved this legacy craft. Officials said the collaboration would not only elevate traditional footwear to global runways but also unlock training, employment, and entrepreneurial potential for artisan communities.

Prada’s global team described the partnership as a cultural milestone, reaffirming its commitment to giving India’s craftspeople rightful recognition. With Kolhapuris already bearing a GI tag, the collaboration aims to reframe them as a powerful symbol of heritage luxury rooted in India yet resonating with contemporary fashion worldwide.