Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:17pm on 12 Dec 2025,Friday India Global
Prada will launch limited-edition Kolhapuri-inspired sandals at Rs 83,000 ($930) in February 2026, collaborating with Indian artisans after facing cultural appropriation backlash. The Italian luxury brand plans producing 2,000 pairs across Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur) regions, partnering with state-backed LIDCOM and LIDKAR organizations. Following June 2025 Milan show controversy where Prada showcased 12th-century Indian footwear designs without acknowledgment, the company established a three-year partnership including artisan training programs in India and Italy's Prada Academy. Chief Marketing Officer Lorenzo Bertelli confirmed the multi-million euro project aims to preserve heritage threatened by cheap imitations while fairly remunerating artisans. India's luxury market, valued at $7 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. (PC: India Today)
