Mumbai | December 12, 2025

Italian luxury brand Prada has partnered with Maharashtra government leather development corporations—LIDCOM and LIDCAR—to bring the traditional Kolhapuri chappal to the global luxury market. This collaboration merges centuries-old Indian craftsmanship with contemporary high-end design, creating a platform for heritage artistry to shine on the international stage.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on December 11, 2025, at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the India–Italy Business Forum, which coincided with the official visit of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani. The forum brought together senior officials, industry associations, unicorn founders, and over 150 companies from both countries to explore collaborations in sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, sports technologies, agri-food, and connectivity.

Under this partnership, Prada will work directly with skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka to produce footwear that blends traditional Kolhapuri craftsmanship with modern luxury aesthetics. The collection, titled ‘Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals’, aims to preserve traditional techniques while giving them a contemporary global appeal. The exclusive collection is set to launch worldwide in February 2026, across 40 Prada boutiques and the brand’s official website. Beyond commercial goals, the initiative will provide international recognition for artisans, extensive training, skill enhancement, and sustainable employment opportunities.

During the forum, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met Antonio Tajani to discuss expanding bilateral trade, supply-chain resilience, technology partnerships, and cooperation in clean mobility, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and food processing. Goyal described the Prada–Kolhapuri collaboration as a model for value-added exports and craft-led branding. He emphasized the potential of Kolhapuri chappals to become a global brand, combining intricate designs, vibrant colors, unmatched comfort, and distinctive style.

The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and supported by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, has extended full support to the project. Prerana Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM, highlighted the cultural importance, noting that the partnership honors generations of artisans and ensures their skills gain global recognition. Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of CSR at Prada, called the collaboration a “new definition of cultural exchange,” while K.M. Vasundhara, Managing Director of LIDCAR, emphasized its potential to create global opportunities, training, and employment for Kolhapuri chappal makers.

Kolhapuri chappals, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, are handcrafted across eight districts—Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur in Maharashtra, and Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Vijayapura (Bijapur) in Karnataka. Through this landmark partnership with Prada, this cherished heritage craft is set to enter the global luxury stage, showcasing India’s rich artisanal legacy to international audiences and reinforcing the global appeal of traditional Indian craftsmanship.

The collaboration marks a significant step in promoting Indian heritage crafts while creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans, positioning the Kolhapuri chappal as a symbol of India’s cultural pride in global fashion.

Prada Partners with Indian Artisans to Take Kolhapuri Chappals to Global Luxury Markets

Italian luxury brand Prada has partnered with Maharashtra government leather development corporations—LIDCOM and LIDCAR—to bring the traditional Kolhapuri chappal to international luxury markets. This collaboration combines centuries-old Indian craftsmanship with modern high-end design, giving artisans a global platform while preserving a cherished cultural legacy.

The partnership was formalized on December 11, 2025, at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the India–Italy Business Forum, held alongside the visit of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. The Forum brought together government officials, industry leaders, and over 150 companies to explore cooperation in areas like renewable energy, automotive, sports tech, agri-food, and connectivity.

Under this collaboration, Prada will work directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka to create a collection under ‘Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals’. The project aims to merge traditional handcrafting techniques with luxury aesthetics. The collection is set for a worldwide launch in February 2026, available in 40 Prada boutiques globally and online. The initiative will provide training, skill development, and sustainable employment for local artisans, along with global recognition for their craftsmanship.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the collaboration as a model for craft-led branding and value-added exports. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals, with their intricate designs, vibrant colors, comfort, and style, have the potential to become a global brand. The Maharashtra government, led by CM Devendra Fadnavis and supported by Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, has extended full support to the project.

Kolhapuri chappals, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, are handcrafted across eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. This partnership with Prada not only brings global recognition to Indian artisans but also positions Kolhapuri chappals as a symbol of India’s rich heritage in the international fashion scene.