Background on the Issue
Prada, a luxury group, announced on Friday that it intends to collaborate with artisanal footwear manufacturers from India following a recent controversy involving ethnic-inspired sandals. The incident began when viral photos from a fashion show in Milan sparked criticism from Indian artisans who craft the sandals, named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state.
Prada’s Response and Next Steps
Prada acknowledged that its new open-toe design was inspired by ancient Indian designs and subsequently engaged in remote discussions with the Commerce Chamber of Maharashtra, representing 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans. The company expressed interest in potential future collaborations with these artisans.
- Prada’s Plan: The next step involves Prada’s supply chain team meeting with various artisanal footwear manufacturers.
- Involvement of Lorenzo Bertelli: Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada’s owners and head of corporate social responsibility, joined the discussions on Friday.
- Proposed Collaboration: Prada aims to launch a limited-edition collection of “Made in India” sandals in collaboration with Indian artisans, inspired by the Kolhapuri style.
The Indian Luxury Market and Prada’s Presence
The Indian luxury market, though small, is expanding rapidly. Affluent consumers indulge in designer fashion, high-end sports cars, and expensive watches. Prada does not have any stores in India; its products are typically reserved for wealthy individuals purchasing abroad.
The sandal controversy led to days of social media backlash, with Indian politicians, artisans, and the Commerce Chamber of Maharashtra demanding proper recognition for India’s heritage.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Lorenzo Bertelli? Lorenzo Bertelli is the son of Prada’s owners and serves as the head of corporate social responsibility for the luxury group.
- What sparked the controversy? The controversy began when viral photos from a Milan fashion show featured sandals similar to those traditionally crafted by artisans in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
- What is Prada’s current plan? Prada intends to collaborate with Indian artisanal footwear manufacturers and launch a limited-edition collection of “Made in India” sandals inspired by the Kolhapuri style.
- Why is the Indian luxury market significant for Prada? Despite being small, the Indian luxury market is growing, with affluent consumers investing in designer fashion and high-end goods. Prada aims to tap into this market by collaborating with local artisans.
