Step out in style

The most sought after designs are the flat-thong sandals, platform shoes and Kolhapuri chappals.

KARACHI:

Kolhapuri chappals, saleem shahis, khussas, gladiators, flat thong sandals ... fabulous footwear that ensures you are not only comfortable in the scorching summer but also stepping out in style. A nice pair of footwear can make a difference when it comes to your style.

With summer in our midst, markets are flooded with a variety of options to choose from, with some of the most sought after designs being the flat-thong sandals, platform shoes and Kolhapuri chappals.

“Keeping in mind the scorching summer season in the country, college going girls and working ladies find it difficult to step out from their home in a sexy pair of stilettoes. So, Kolhapuri chappals and flat-thong sandals are the most in demand because of their comfortability factor and affordable pricing,” designer Purvi Khurana says. She added: “Also, to cover up your feet, platform shoes look absolutely divine. They not only offer a slimming effect but also a great amount of comfort due to the platform heels. For me, these shoes are the best example of comfort and design.”

The traditional kolhapuri chappals and khussas can be worn both in office and outside and are elegant, fashionable choices. Sumaiya Lakhani, a journalist says, “I think khussas make great footwear for the summer. They look funky and fresh with jeans and you can pull them off with eastern wear for a semi formal look any time of the day”.

Kolhapuri chappals are available in various sizes, patterns and colours with some of the traditional designs like Kachkadi, Bakkalnali, and Pukari being the most in demand. Nowadays, sandals and khussas come with sequin work and you can even get them customised by asking the shopkeeper to spray paint them according to your choice! Also, these are probably the only type of footwear which can effectively carry off any design without looking awkward.

“We deal with Kolhapuri chappals and girls are crazy for such footwear. Some are so fascinated that they purchase almost a dozen pairs matching their dress type. They can be worn for both casual purposes and party wear. The chappals and jootis adorned with gold cord, zari strips, pom poms or gota are perfect for special occasions like weddings and parties,” said a shop owner in Bohri bazaar.

Maheen Kardar who is a designer and owner of Karma says, “I think summer footwear should be fun, flattering and easy to wear. Nothing clonky and heavy! I’m all for chappals in pastel colours as well as in different textures such as knotted leather. I love blingy chappals as well but with so much borderline tacky material in the market, I prefer to keep it elegant and stick to well-crafted pieces from brands such as Giuseppe Zanotti. I love wedges for the summer for that extra oomph.”

In Karachi, one can easily get this footwear in markets like Uzma plaza, Gulf shopping centre, Aashiyana and Bohri bazaar, with a price range between Rs350 and Rs1000. In Gulf shopping centre sandals are available in a wide array of colours starting from Rs250.

In Lahore, Khussa Mahal in Liberty Market is famous for embellished khussas, saleem shahis and kohlapuri chappals.

Nowadays with the growing trends of lawn suits, women tend to accessorise their outfits with vibrant footwear. Sana Hasan, a university going girl, wears kohlapuri chappals to classes every day, “I have them in three colours, that can go with almost every pair of shalwaar kameez, I can wear them to college, lunches and even formal family dinners and they are never out of fashion and always go noticed”.

(with additional input from ians)





Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2011.