Luxury fashion brand Prada recently sent a team to Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to explore a possible partnership with local artisans who make the famous Kolhapuri chappals. The team bought seven pairs of traditional ‘Moje Puda Kapshi’ chappals and spent two full days (15–16 July) visiting different production units in the city.
This visit came just weeks after a controversy over Prada’s use of Kolhapuri-style chappals in their Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection. Instead of pulling away, Prada now seems keen to work directly with Indian artisans.
The four-member team, led by Paolo Tiveron (Director, Men’s Footwear Division), toured several key locations:
- LIDCOM leather centre
- Karakari Leather Works
- Women’s artisan cluster in Kagal
- Factories of Sunil Lokare and Rohit Gavali
According to Prasad Bhopal Shate, Director of the Kolhapur Footwear Association, Prada has shown interest in handmade crafts beyond just footwear, including silver work. The brand also asked MACCIA (Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture) to make a documentary showing the different styles of Kolhapuri chappals and how they are made.
The team was especially surprised to learn that 80% of the work is done by hand, with only 10–20% involving machines. They spent seven hours at one unit without even stopping for food.
Influencer Krishnaraaj Mahadik, who first pointed out the similarity between Prada’s sandals and Kolhapuri chappals, said the designs were nearly identical. “They should at least call it what it is—a Kolhapuri chappal,” he said.
The artisans are now preparing for bulk orders, and the association plans to start training centres to pass on this traditional craft to the next generation. Most current artisans are older, and there’s a need to train young talent.
Kolhapuri chappals range in price from ₹1,000 to ₹35,000, depending on the type of leather used—ox, bullock, sheep, goat, or buffalo.
With global attention now on Kolhapur, artisans are hopeful that their craft will finally get the recognition it deserves.
Also Read: Prada Visits Kolhapur After Chappal Design Controversy
