Prada-KILT to train first batch of 15 Kolhapuri artisans in July

Bengaluru: The first batch of 15 artisans from the state will begin training at Karnataka Institute of Leather Technology and Fashion (KILT) in July under the Prada-Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (Lidkar) collaboration, marking the start of a three-year programme to skill 90 artisans in the state.The initiative follows criticism faced by the global luxury brand over its use of the Kolhapuri design, for which Lidkar and Maharashtra’s Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd (Lidcom) hold the GI tag. The collaboration has since expanded to include product development and skill-building.Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s group head for 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.”KM Vasundhara, Lidkar managing director, said batches of artisans will be trained every six months. “The training is financed by Prada in terms of machinery and trainer skilling, and artisans will be accommodated at KILT, Bengaluru,” Vasundhara said.Applications will open later this month on Lidkar and the institutes’ websites. She said a similar number of artisans will be trained in Maharashtra through collaborations with Lidcom and NIFT. “We have proposed a stipend for our artisans,” she said.Siddalingappa B Pujari, director, 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. In Jan 2027, the 15 artisans will travel to 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.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.”