Kolhapuri sandals, a thousand-year-old craft handmade by artisans in Kolhapur, appeared at Milan Fashion Week under the Prada name without credit. Instead of protesting, Kalapuri responded by creating The Kolhapuri: a handcrafted book stitched like the sandals themselves, documenting the craft and its makers. Sent to Prada as an invitation to visit Kolhapur and visit original artisans and acknowledge the origins of Kolhapuri sandals and credit the craft. By understanding its thousand-year heritage through The Kolhapuri book, the goal was to encourage respectful collaboration with the original makers ensuring recognition, cultural acknowledgment, and partnership with Kolhapuri artisans.
Through the Next Billion Forum, platforms, and exhibitions, the book helped bring attention to the Kolhapuri craft.
Disclaimer: Kalapuri does not claim sole credit for the outcome, but the aim of the initiative was to create conversation and bring designers closer to the Kolhapuri artisans.