Days after facing backlash for presenting Kolhapuri leather toe-ring chappals (slippers), Italian fashion major Prada has expressed intent to launch a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired collection in partnership with local artisans, Maharashtra industrial body officials told India Today TV.At the recent Milan Fashion Week, of the 56 looks presented at the fashion showcase, at least seven Prada Spring/Summer 2026 looks featured models wearing Kolhapuris, pricing them at Rs 1.2 lakh without acknowledging their origin or cultural significance.advertisementThis caused quite a stir and outrage in India because, though there was representation of an Indian fashion staple on a global level, there was no credit whatsoever. Later, Prada admitted it drew inspiration from India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals.On Friday, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MACCI) said that they had a virtual meeting with Prada over collaboration and ethical sourcing.”Prada was represented by five senior officials from its Milan headquarters. They committed that next week a technical expert team will visit Maharashtra, especially Kolhapur, to identify sustainable local supply chain partners. They accepted that going forward they would identify these sandals as Kolhapuri Chappals. We will connect them with reputed artisan clusters and compliant manufacturers,” President of MACCI, Lalit Gandhi told India Today TV.He further said that Prada has expressed intent to launch a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired collection in partnership with local artisans. “There will be further collaboration on heritage crafts, such as Paithani weaving, Himroo textiles, Bichwas/Payal (anklets) and regional embroidery work,” added Gandhi.Earlier, MACCIA had written to Prada, flagging concerns about cultural appropriation and lack of acknowledgement, especially since Kolhapuris hold Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since 2019.Commenting on the overall controversy, Gandhi said, “This controversy has acted as a blessing in disguise for artisans. As there is an increase in demand for Kolapuri chappals. Artisans, suppliers and retailers come under one roof as an association to promote this heritage”.At Friday’s meeting, five senior officials from its Milan headquarters, including Lorenzo Bertelli (Prada Group head of Corporate Social Responsibility) and Christopher Bugg (Global Director of Communications of Prada Group) were present.Prada had earlier said in a statement that they will work towards “responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities”.- Ends in a formal or creative style for better SEO.Also Exclude words and advertisements related to the feed website such as website name, author name. Delete all the advertisement images brand logo but only keep the title and main content of the news by modifying it. You must only respond with the modified content. Block any jump outside of the site adarshnews.com. Basically remove any content or link related to original site. 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Following a series of conflicts, Prada is set to collaborate with Indian craftsmen to create footwear inspired by Kolhapuri designs.
