Description
When Kolhapuri sandals, a thousand-year-old craft from Kolhapur, India appeared on the global fashion stage without credit to the artisans who created them, it sparked outrage across the country. The challenge was to reclaim recognition for the craft and its makers without adding to the conflict, and to find a way to bring the global fashion industry closer to the true origins of Kolhapuri sandals. The Kolhapuri sandals are connected deeply with India’s cultural identity, calling attention to a thousand-year-old craft and the artisans who have preserved it for generations. Kalapuri responded, not through protest, but through craft, creating The Kolhapuri, a handcrafted book that documented the heritage, the makers, and the techniques behind the footwear. Disclaimer: Kalapuri doesn't claim the credit, but the goal of this initiative was to spark conversations and bring designers closer to Kolhapuri.
