16-07-2025
Could explore agreements to enhance production quality, elevate Kolhapuri chappals to international stage: Prada team tells Kolhapur collector
Kolhapur: A team of technical experts from Italian fashion brand Prada visited Chappal Line, renowned for its Kolhapuri chappal shops, on their second day in Kolhapur on Wednesday.
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Prada's technical team also met with Kolhapur district collector Amol Yedge. According to details released by the district administration, the delegation expressed that the company might explore agreements at various levels to enhance production quality and elevate footwear to the international stage in the future.
"Any collaborations or steps forward would be communicated to the district administration and relevant industry and producer associations after decisions at the company's board meeting," the team told Yedge, as stated in the statement.
During the meeting, Yedge provided comprehensive information on ongoing projects related to Kolhapuri chappals. He emphasised that Kolhapuri chappals are not only traditional Indian footwear with deep historical ties to Kolhapur, but also symbolise local artisans' skill and form part of the region's cultural heritage. He shared details about other traditional Kolhapuri items such as Kolhapuri saaj and Thushi jewellery.
"This visit marks a significant step after recent controversy over cultural appropriation, with Prada now acknowledging the origins of the Kolhapuri chappal and exploring possibilities for ethical collaborations with local artisans," read the statement.
Earlier, the experts interacted with shop operators and customers, assessing the quality of the footwear. The team was led by Paolo Tiveron, director of the men's technical and production department (footwear division).
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The team included Daniele Contu, pattern-making manager of the division, and two external consultants, Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli.
Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, said: "We are hopeful that during the next visit, slated in Aug, deals will be made. We found that Prada wants to check whether the artisans can make the chappals of the quality and standard they desire. Not just Prada, other companies may also look for collaboration with the Kolhapuri chappal artisans."
