Prada, the iconic Italian luxury brand, has partnered with Maharashtra government leather development corporations—LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal) and LIDCAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Charmudyog Vikas Mahamandal)—to bring the traditional Kolhapuri chappal to international luxury markets. This collaboration fuses centuries-old Indian craftsmanship with contemporary high-end design, creating a unique bridge between heritage artistry and global fashion.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai on 11 December 2025, during the India–Italy Business Forum, held as part of the official visit of Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Forum brought together senior government officials, industry associations, unicorn founders, and over 150 companies from both countries to explore deeper industrial collaboration in key sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, sports technologies, agri-food, and connectivity.
Under the partnership, Prada will collaborate directly with skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka to produce footwear that combines centuries-old Kolhapuri craftsmanship with modern luxury design. The collection will fall under the ‘Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals’ project, aiming to preserve traditional techniques while giving them a contemporary global appeal.
The exclusive collection is scheduled for a worldwide launch in February 2026 and will be available in 40 Prada boutiques globally, as well as on the brand’s official website. Beyond commercial success, the partnership promises international recognition for artisans and extensive opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and sustainable employment.
During the Forum, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, held bilateral talks with Antonio Tajani. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening supply-chain resilience, promoting technology partnerships, and deepening cooperation in clean mobility, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and food processing.
Linking these priorities to tangible industry outcomes, Goyal highlighted the significance of the Prada–Kolhapuri collaboration as a model for value-added exports and craft-led branding supporting the artisans. “This collaboration has been under discussion for several years,” he said. “I have often wondered why Kolhapuri chappals—with their intricate designs, exquisite handwork, vibrant colours, unmatched comfort, and distinctive style—should not become a global brand.
“I am delighted that Prada has now taken this initiative forward. It will enable us to present the Kolhapuri brand and its timeless designs to the world. I hope that, through joint efforts, we achieve exports worth one billion dollars and fully realise this vast potential.
“Once you wear Kolhapuri chappals, nothing else feels the same—I wore them throughout my childhood,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister expressed confidence that “with a globally renowned brand like Prada partnering with our craftsmen, artisans, and leather workers, Kolhapuri chappals will soon emerge as a truly international brand.”
The Maharashtra government has extended full support to the project, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and backed by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Prerana Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM, emphasised the cultural significance: “This partnership is profoundly important for honouring generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional art form and for ensuring their extraordinary skills receive the global recognition they deserve. When a brand of Prada’s stature works directly with artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the creators receive full credit and their legacy is celebrated.”
Lorenzo Bertelli, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Prada Group, described the collaboration as “a new definition of cultural exchange,” adding, “We are committed to giving the incomparable artistry of Indian craftsmen its rightful place in the modern world.”
K.M. Vasundhara, Managing Director of LIDCAR, highlighted the long-term impact, stating that the partnership “will open wide avenues for training, employment, and global opportunities” for Kolhapuri chappal makers.
Kolhapuri chappals, which were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, are traditionally handcrafted across eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka—Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur in Maharashtra, and Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, and Vijayapura (Bijapur) in Karnataka. Through this landmark collaboration with Prada, this cherished heritage craft is poised to step confidently onto the world’s luxury stage, showcasing India’s rich artisanal legacy to an international audience.
with inputs from agencies
