The collection comes nearly a year after the Italian luxury group faced a backlash for showcasing similar designs without crediting their origins.
Each pair will be priced at about 750 euros ( $1487 NZD / $1223 AUD), according to Prada’s website.
The launch follows controversy in June 2025, when Prada showed sandals resembling centuries-old Indian Kolhapuri chappals at a Milan fashion show. The designs sparked outrage among Indian artisans and politicians, who accused the brand of cultural appropriation.
Prada later acknowledged the influence of ancient Indian styles and said it had begun talks with artisan groups about a collaboration.
In December, Prada announced plans to produce 2,000 pairs of the sandals in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka under agreements with two state-backed bodies, combining local craftsmanship with Italian technology.
In a statement the company said the new sandals were developed in collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, the Indian government organisations focused on safeguarding, promoting and developing the Indian leather industry and heritage of Kolhapuri Chappals.
The sandals, said to blend traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary design and premium materials, will be sold through 40 selected Prada stores worldwide and online.
Prada also announced a three-year training programme for artisans from the eight districts in India traditionally associated with Kolhapuri sandal-making. The programme will be delivered by two leading Indian design institutes in structured six-month modules and is expected to reach 180 artisans, starting next month.
“It is time that Indian traditional crafts take their rightful place on the world stage,” said Tanu Kashyap, director general at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, which will offer the training programme.
Artisans will also be given the opportunity to visit the Prada Group Academy in Italy to gain additional technical expertise.
