CHIKUN/KAJURU REP, HON. FIDELIX BAGUDU, ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE. (PHOTO).
This comes days after Prada showcased Kolhapuri-style leather slippers in their fashion show in Milan, but failed to mention their origin. The slippers were labeled as regular leather items, upsetting many in India.
Lalit Gandhi from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture said that six senior members from Prada came to understand the history and craft of Kolhapuri chappals. The team included top footwear designers and production heads from the brand. During their visit, they explored the Jawahar Nagar area in Kolhapur, which is known for making traditional chappals, and interacted with local artisans.
Gandhi shared that Prada has promised to never repeat the mistake and to help give Kolhapuri chappals the global recognition they deserve. At Milan Fashion Week, the slippers were seen in seven different looks and priced at around ₹1.2 lakh each, but they were not identified as Kolhapuris. Experts say this is a serious issue, especially since Kolhapuri chappals have Geographical Indication (GI) status in India since 2019.
Prada has now responded positively. They said they will work more responsibly and aim to connect better with local artisan communities. The brand has also shown interest in launching a special “Made in India” collection, inspired by Kolhapuri slippers and created in partnership with Indian craftsmen.
More photos below.
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