The state’s Leather Industries Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian fashion brand Prada to take the heritage of Indian traditional leather goods especially Kolhapuri slippers to the global market. As a result, traditional Kolhapuri craftsmanship will now be supported by Prada, opening long-awaited international opportunities. The special collection is set to be available worldwide from February 2026 across 40 Prada stores and on Prada’s official website.
Traditional Kolhapuri chappals are made in eight districts of Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and Karnataka (Belgaum, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). They received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019. A few months earlier, controversy arose when Prada displayed Kolhapuri-style slippers at a fashion show in Italy. Following warnings of action from the state government, Prada representatives met with artisans in Kolhapur to resolve misunderstandings.
Building on this dialogue, Prada has now entered into an MoU with Maharashtra’s Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and Karnataka’s Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR). The agreement, signed at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai during the Italy–India Business Council event, outlines the design framework, implementation plan, and production guidelines for the Kolhapuri Chappals project.
The slippers will be produced in India using centuries-old traditional sandal-making methods, combined with Prada’s contemporary design approach, giving the craft a modern global appeal. This collaboration aims to involve skilled artisans from both Maharashtra and Karnataka, ensuring they receive full recognition and fair opportunities.
This initiative is expected to benefit numerous artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat stated that the collection will showcase the artistry of Indian craftsmen on the global stage and strengthen their international recognition.
LIDCOM Managing Director Prerana Deshbratar emphasised that partnering with a global brand will bring overdue recognition to artisans, ensuring they receive full credit for their craft. LIDKAR Managing Director Dr. K. M. Vasundhara added that this collaboration will open new avenues for training, employment, and global opportunities, while honoring generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional art form.
The state's Leather Industries Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding directly with Italian fashion brand Prada to take the heritage of Indian traditional leather goods, Kolhapuri slippers, to the world.
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