Prada team to visit Kolhapur in post-row outreach

After sparking outrage in India for showcasing Kolhapuri-style “sandals” on the Milan runway, Italian luxury giant Prada is sending top executives to the footwear’s hometown of Kolhapur.

- Devina Sengupta & Suneera Tandon

The two-day visit to Kolhapur in Maharashtra is likely to begin Tuesday and marks the brand’s first formal outreach to Indian artisans.

Mint has learned that the visiting team includes Daniele Contu, pattern making manager at Prada’s footwear division, along with external consultants Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli.

The Milan-based fashion house, part of Prada Holding SpA, showcased leather sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals at its recent Men's Spring-Summer 2026 show, held at the Deposito of the Fondazione Prada.

The sandals, priced upwards of ₹1 lakh ($1,200), sparked widespread criticism in India, with online users highlighting the deep cultural roots of Kolhapuri footwear and the vast price disparity.

Kolhapuris are widely available in Indian markets for under ₹1,000.