Following a controversy over its sandal design, Prada is investing in a three-year training program for Kolhapuri chappal artisans in India, aiming to preserve and enhance the traditional craft. The initiative, funded by sales of the sandal collection, will provide artisans with updated skills and opportunities for international training.
Luxury fashion house Prada has embarked on a significant initiative to support and elevate the traditional craft of Kolhapuri chappal making in India . The project, stemming from a recent controversy surrounding Prada ’s release of sandals resembling the iconic India n footwear, has evolved into a comprehensive three-year training program for artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka – the heartlands of Kolhapuri chappal production.
Initially, Prada faced criticism for selling a design retailing at 750 euros, perceived as appropriating a centuries-old craft without adequate recognition or benefit to the original artisans. This sparked a public outcry, prompting Prada to engage directly with the artisan community and government organizations.
The company dispatched representatives to Kolhapur and subsequently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd), entities dedicated to the preservation and development of the Indian leather industry and the cultural heritage of Kolhapuri chappals, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019. The core of Prada’s response is a fully funded training program designed to equip 180 artisans with enhanced design and technical skills.
The program, structured into six-month modules, will focus on design fundamentals, digital literacy, and an understanding of current market trends. A key emphasis will be placed on practical, hands-on training, ensuring artisans can adapt their skills to meet evolving consumer demands while maintaining the authenticity of the Kolhapuri chappal tradition. The initiative is financed by the proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition sandal collection, demonstrating Prada’s commitment to reinvesting in the craft it initially drew inspiration from.
Furthermore, outstanding participants will have the opportunity to continue their education at the Prada Group Academy in Italy, gaining international exposure and advanced training. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s head of corporate social responsibility, emphasized the importance of education in sustaining craftsmanship, stating that the program translates a cultural dialogue into a tangible opportunity for growth.
The training program is being implemented in partnership with leading design institutes, including the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Karnataka Institute of Leather & Fashion Technology (KILT). Applications for the first 30 seats, split equally between NIFT and KILT, will open next month for artisans aged 18 to 45. Prerna Deshbhratar, managing director of LIDCOM, highlighted the program’s potential to position traditional craftsmanship on a global stage, fostering cross-cultural design dialogue and long-term value for artisans.
Siddalingappa B. Pujari, director of KILT, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the initiative’s role in bridging traditional skills with global excellence. Tanu Kashyap, director general of NIFT, believes it’s time for Indian traditional crafts to gain recognition as a new form of luxury. This project aligns with Prada’s broader “Made In…” initiative, launched over a decade ago to celebrate artisanal excellence worldwide.
The company’s overall financial performance remains strong, with revenues reaching 5.72 billion euros in 2024, a 5 percent increase from the previous year. This demonstrates Prada’s continued success alongside its commitment to social responsibility and cultural preservation
Prada Kolhapuri Chappals India Artisans Training Program Luxury Fashion Cultural Preservation LIDCOM LIDKAR NIFT KILT
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