Technical experts from Prada visit Kolhapur, interact with artisans

A four-member technical team of senior officials of global fashion brand Prada visited Kolhapur for two days to understand the system behind the making of the GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, an 800-year old unbroken traditional art of Maharashtra. The team visited the set-ups of six local artisans and closely observed their production facilities to understand how the chappals are made without any mechanical intervention. They also visited the Kolhapuri chappal market.

Expressing delight on the visit of the Prada team to his leather boutique, Inga leather proprietor Shubham Satpute told The Hindu that it was a matter of pride to showcase to the team how the chappals were made traditionally.

This comes days after the Italian luxury fashion brand was accused of appropriating the region’s famous flat sandals.

Following the row, Prada had acknowledged that the sandals showcased in their men’s 2026 fashion show were “inspired” by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production.

“Four members of their technical team, including the heads of footwear design of Prada and two external consultants, visited Kolhapur on Tuesday (July 15, 2025). They toured the Kolhapuri chappal manufacturing cluster, observed the production process, and held discussions with local artisans,” Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, told PTI.

Highlighting the craftsmanship involved, Mr. Gandhi said, “Our chappals are handmade and rooted in tradition. The team will now submit a report to its corporate office, and based on that, senior officials from Prada may visit Kolhapur in the next phase.” When asked about the possibility of collaboration, Mr. Gandhi said the visit itself was a positive sign. “The fact that Prada sent a technical team all the way to Kolhapur indicates serious interest. This is perhaps the first time a Prada delegation has come to Maharashtra,” he said.

He further said that Prada had created a product inspired by the Kolhapuri chappals. “Once we noticed the design on the runway, we raised an objection and asked them to acknowledge its origins. They responded to us via email, accepting that the theme was inspired by Kolhapuri chappals,” said Mr. Gandhi.

Later on Tuesday, the visiting team also toured the retail market area in Kolhapur and interacted with shopkeepers.

(With inputs from PTI)