Indian tradition meets Italian luxury: Prada’s new Kolhapuri line stuns the world

Italian luxury fashion house Prada has signed a landmark partnership with Maharashtra government leather development corporations—LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal) and LIDCAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Charmudyog Vikas Mahamandal)—to take India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappal to the global luxury market.

IBNS • 12 Dec 2025, 06:30 pm

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on December 11, 2025, at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai 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, according to DD News.

Under this collaboration, Prada will work directly with master artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka to craft a premium line of traditional Kolhapuri footwear. The collection will be launched under the banner “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals.”

The exclusive line is scheduled to debut in February 2026, and will be available across 40 Prada boutiques worldwide as well as on the brand’s official website, marking one of the strongest global pushes yet for India’s handcrafted footwear heritage.