Italian luxury fashion house Prada is set to hold a high-level virtual meeting with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) to discuss the future course of collaboration on a Kolhapuri chappal-inspired line of men’s sandals. The meeting is likely to take place on July 11, according to a senior official at the industry body.
Senior leaders from Prada, including Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility, and Roberto Massardi, chief business development officer, are expected to attend, according to an email reviewed by ET.
In a letter dated June 30, Maharashtra’s apex trade body proposed the formation of a joint working group comprising representatives from Prada, MACCIA, and local artisan organisations to take the discussion forward. Lalit Gandhi, president of MACCIA, suggested that the group focus on developing co-branded limited-edition collections rooted in traditional Kolhapuri designs; implementing skill development and training programs for rural artisans aligned with global standards; establishing a cultural exchange initiative to foster design innovation between Italian and Indian artisans; exploring the possibility of setting up a ‘Prada Artisan Excellence Lab’ in Kolhapur or Mumbai; and supporting a fair trade value chain that provides sustainable economic benefits to the artisan community.
“This initiative will not only set a global benchmark for ethical fashion but also demonstrate how heritage and innovation can harmoniously co-exist,” Gandhi wrote in the letter, further suggesting an in-person or virtual meeting.
On July 2, Elena Usan, the Prada Group Marketing Secretary Office Coordinator, confirmed a video call with key leaders from the group to explore the next steps in an hour-long meeting.
MACCIA had first written to Prada on June 25, urging the brand to acknowledge the inspiration behind its recent Spring Summer 2026 menswear collection featuring sandals inspired by Kolhapuri chappals and explore fair compensation or collaboration with Indian artisans.
In response, Lorenzo Bertelli acknowledged the traditional craftsmanship and clarified that the collection was still in the early stages of development, with no confirmation on its production or commercialisation. Prada’s acknowledgement came amid backlash on social media and mounting pressure from authorities for failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans and heritage behind the design at the Milan show.
