In a decisive move to integrate traditional craftsmanship into the high-luxury value chain, Prada Group officially launched its ‘Prada Made in India’ limited-edition sandal collection on April 27, 2026.
Inspired by the GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, the collection is the result of a landmark collaboration with the Indian government bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR. This initiative seeks to transform a previous controversy over cultural appropriation into a structured model for inclusive luxury. By making the collection available in 40 selected global flagships, Prada is positioning the artisanal heritage of Maharashtra and Karnataka as a contemporary luxury benchmark, moving beyond the traditional ‘Made in Italy’ narrative to embrace a more transparent, cross-cultural sourcing strategy.
Sustainable development via educational infrastructure
Beyond product commercialization, Prada is underwriting a fully funded three-year training program for 180 Indian artisans to elevate technical standards and design precision. Developed in partnership with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Karnataka Institute of Leather & Fashion Technology (KILT), the curriculum covers digital skills and market-readiness modules.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Head-Corporate Social Responsibility, Prada Group, states, supporting artisans through structured training safeguards knowledge and ensures that traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive in a commercial arena. This investment aligns with the group’s robust FY25 performance, where retail resilience and a 16.6 per cent profit uptick provided the capital for such large-scale social responsibility projects.
Cultural craftsmanship initiative
A global luxury leader managing brands like Prada, Miu Miu, and Church’s, the Prada Group specializes in high-end leather goods and footwear. It is currently scaling its ‘Made In...’ series to honor global artisanal excellence. Following a solid 2025 net income of €852 million, Prada plans to further invest in supply chain traceability and heritage preservation.
