Goyal: Kolhapuri Chappals Eye $1B Exports as Prada Seals Artisan Deal

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal estimates Kolhapuri chappals have a $1 billion export potential.
• Italian luxury brand Prada is collaborating with Indian artisans to produce a limited-edition collection of Kolhapuri sandals for global markets.
• Prada plans to produce 2,000 pairs of Kolhapuri sandals, priced around €800 each, launching in February next year across 40 stores and online.
• The collaboration follows a controversy where Prada was criticized for cultural appropriation of Kolhapuri designs.
• Goyal and Italy's Deputy PM Antonio Tajani discussed boosting India-Italy trade to €20 billion by 2029 and progress on the India-EU FTA.

Why It Matters: Indian artisans get global recognition and $1B export potential.