The company will sell each pair at around USD 930 and it plans to make 2,000 pairs of sandals in Maharashtra and Karnataka regions as part of the deal
Months after Prada came under fire over cultural misappropriation of the Kolhapuri Chappal, the company will now make a limited-edition collection of sandals in India inspired by the country’s traditional footwear, Reuters reported.
Prada will sell each pair at around USD 930 and it plans to make 2,000 pairs of sandals in Maharashtra and Karnataka regions as part of the deal. Reuters noted that the company will combine Italian technology and know-how with local Indian craftsmanship.
The collection will go on sale in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online. Earlier, Prada caused a stir on social media when it unveiled a sandal design that closely resembles the traditional Kolhapuri chappals of India. Given the handcrafted footwear’s deep cultural and regional significance and its 2019 Geographical Indication (GI) status, the striking resemblance drew major criticism for cultural appropriation and ethical insensitivity.
Prada’s initial lack of acknowledgement only intensified claims of design misappropriation and disregard for the artisans behind the craft. Although after the backlash, the brand admitted being inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage.
In a separate development, the Prada Group has closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a USD 1.375 billion cash deal. This brings Versace under the same umbrella as Prada and Miu Miu and is likely to relaunch the brand’s fortunes.
In a one-line statement shared by the company, Prada stated, “Prada today announces the successful completion of the acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings after having received all required regulatory clearances.” (With Reuters Inputs)
