Prada’s Rs 85,000 Kolhapuri Chappal Sparks Buzz After Major Controversy

Italy's Prada is a world-famous luxury brand. A few months back, it got into a big controversy. Now, it has launched the same Kolhapuri chappal for a shocking Rs 85,000. Usually, these chappals sell for just Rs 500 to Rs 3,000.

Local artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka make these Kolhapuri chappals. The craft comes from places like Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Bijapur in Karnataka, and Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur in Maharashtra. These districts even have a GI tag for it. Prada is now working with these very artisans for its launch.

The Italian brand Prada signed a deal with the Karnataka and Maharashtra governments. It is using local artisans to create a limited edition collection. For now, the company is releasing only 2,000 pairs of these special Kolhapuri chappals.

Prada has launched these limited edition Kolhapuri chappals on the world stage. You can now find them in 40 Prada stores across the globe, including in Europe. The price for these chappals starts at Rs 85,000.

A few months ago, Prada revealed a sandal that looked exactly like our Kolhapuri chappal. Artisans from the Karnataka-Maharashtra border have been making these for ages. Prada tried to pass it off as its own design, and that's what caused the huge uproar.

Prada first showed off these chappals at a fashion show. When people from India protested, the brand tried to say it was their own design. But the backlash went global. Finally, Prada talked to the Karnataka and Maharashtra governments and agreed to launch them as 'Made in India' Kolhapuri chappals.

A 'Made in India' Brand