Bengaluru: The first batch of 15 artisans from Belagavi will begin training at the Karnataka Institute of Leather Technology and Fashion (KILT) in July under the Prada-Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (Lidkar) collaboration. This marks the start of a three-year programme to skill 90 artisans in the state.
Background of the Initiative
The initiative follows criticism faced by the global luxury brand Prada over its use of the Kolhapuri design, for which Lidkar and Maharashtra's Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd (Lidcom) hold the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The collaboration has since expanded to include product development and skill-building.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's group head for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), had said at the launch of the ‘Inspired by Kolhapuri Collection’: "With the training programme, we are translating shared cultural dialogue into a concrete opportunity for learning and growth."
Training Details
KM Vasundhara, Lidkar managing director, said batches of artisans will be trained every six months. "Fifteen leather artisans, not just those making Kolhapuris, will be picked from across the state to undergo training, financed by Prada in terms of machinery and trainer skilling, and accommodated at KILT in Bengaluru," Vasundhara said. She added that a similar number of artisans will be trained in Maharashtra through collaborations with Lidcom and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). "We have proposed a stipend for them," she noted.
Siddalingappa B Pujari, director of KILT, said artisans will learn design fundamentals, trend analysis, market study, design development from concept to product branding, and digital literacy. Prada will review and examine the teaching material.
Advanced Training in Italy
In January 2027, the 15 artisans will travel to the Prada Group Academy in Italy for a week-long advanced training programme. Artisans who go on to become entrepreneurs can market their products through Lidkar outlets, including Kala Loka at Kempegowda International Airport and other government-run platforms. Applications will open this month on Lidkar and the institutes' websites.
Artisan Feedback
Suresh Namdeo Shinde, an artisan from Athani who attended a Prada-led workshop earlier, said: "There was a 20% addition to our technique. One aspect emphasised was precision in measurements and making footwear softer for the wearer."
