Forecut flat
Kolhapuri chappals
RisingGI-tagged Kolhapuris, back in focus after Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 show.
Festive 26RisingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28FadingDesign Capsule · India 2026–28
Design Capsule: Indian craft goes global
Kolhapuris on the Prada runway, mirror work, Rabari and kantha embroidery, block prints and bandhani.
Forecut Editorial · 11 October 2026
Download PDF ↓Mood and colour
Rust
18-1248 TCX
#B5522B
18-1248 TCX
#B5522B
Indigo
19-3864 TCX
#2F3F7A
19-3864 TCX
#2F3F7A
Champagne gold
14-0935 TCX
#D8C08A
14-0935 TCX
#D8C08A
Ivory
11-0104 TCX
#F3ECDC
11-0104 TCX
#F3ECDC
Pantone TCX (cotton) codes are the nearest match to the screen colour; confirm against a physical Pantone book and lab dips before production.
Why? The Kolhapuri debate made Indian shoppers proud of the original crafts. GI-tagged and artisan-made products now carry real brand value.
What? Indian crafts are in the global spotlight. Prada showed Kolhapuri-inspired sandals in 7 of 56 Spring/Summer 2026 looks, Rabari embroidery reached the Indian runway, and kantha is moving onto sneakers.
Who's showing it?
- Prada (Spring/Summer 2026): Kolhapuri-inspired sandals in 7 of 56 looks
- Kartik Research: Rabari embroidery on handspun khadi
- Gully Labs: Sneakers with kantha embroidery and Indian colour stories
Key pieces
Forecut flat sketches with reference photos, ready to brief into design.
Mirror work
RisingMirror work on garments, dupattas, bags and shoes.
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Rabari embroidery
EmergingKutch Rabari embroidery, shown by Kartik Research.
Festive 26EmergingSummer 27RisingFestive 27RisingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28Peaking
Kantha-embroidered sneakers
EmergingSuede sneakers with kantha embroidery.
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Bandhani
RisingTie-dye dots from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Festive 26RisingSummer 27RisingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28FadingForecut flat
Embellished wedding juttis
PeakingJuttis with zari, beads and mirror work for weddings.
Festive 26PeakingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28PeakingPrice guide (India)
| Key garment | Value | Mid | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolhapuri chappals | ₹499–1,299 | ₹1,500–3,500 | ₹6,000+ |
| Mirror-work kurta or jacket | ₹1,299–2,499 | ₹3,000–7,000 | ₹15,000+ |
| Embroidered juttis | ₹799–1,499 | ₹1,800–4,000 | ₹7,500+ |
Cost to make: Medium. Hand embroidery is labour-heavy. Use placement embroidery and partner with clusters for authentic GI-tagged pieces.
How to build the capsule
- Source one GI-tagged hero product and credit the craft cluster.
- Add mirror or kantha accents to everyday basics.
- Pair Kolhapuris and juttis with western looks in imagery.
Sources: Global Indian on Prada SS26; Free Press Journal, Lakmé Fashion Week 2026; Gully Labs.