Chhaya Kolhapuri around the world, one sandal will be sold for ₹ 83,000; Prada joins hands with local artisans

Prada Launches Kolhapuri Chappal: Kolhapuri slippers are famous in many states including Maharashtra and Karnataka. Kolhapuri slippers have been mentioned many times in films also. Now its demand has extended to Italy. The price of this slipper in India will be between Rs 500 to Rs 1000. But its price in Italy will be Rs 83,000.

Actually, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has decided to launch a limited-edition sandal collection in collaboration with indigenous artisans in India. Prada said it would work closely with artisans in India. The company will launch Kolhapuri slippers in February 2026.

Kolhapuri slippers in 40 stores across the world

The collection will be available in approximately 40 Prada stores around the world and online. According to a news published in Reuters, the Italian luxury group has planned to manufacture 2,000 pairs of sandals in the areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka under a deal with two government institutions. This includes Maharashtra’s Lidcom and Karnataka’s Lidkar government institutes. As part of this initiative, Prada Group Lidcom and Lidcar will also organize local training programs. With this, artisans will be able to learn modern skills along with traditional techniques.

Controversy erupted over fashion show pictures

According to media reports, six months ago, Prada had shown sandals in the Milan fashion show that looked like Kolhapuri slippers. As soon as the pictures spread on the internet, people’s anger in India increased. Prada later admitted that the design was inspired by old Indian styles. Now the company has signed an agreement with two government agencies, LIDCOM of Maharashtra and LIDKAR of Karnataka. These organizations support artisans, especially from underprivileged communities, who make traditional slippers by hand.

Kolhapuri slippers Maharashtra and Karnataka Artisans have been making it for centuries and its price ranges between Rs 500 to Rs 1000. It is believed that Kolhapuri, which is considered to be of unmatched workmanship and strength, was earlier worn by kings and emperors, but with time it became the slippers of the common man.

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History of Kolhapuri slippers

Kolhapuri slippers have been manufactured since the 12th or 13th century. Originally patronized by the region’s royals, artisans from the Mochi community made them by hand using vegetable and tanned leather. Another specialty of this is that no nails are used in making it. In the year 2019, after a long fight, the artisans Kolhapuri slippers GI tag was obtained for.