Eid fervour: A search for the perfect pair

Small store in F-10 arguably sells the best khussas, kolapuri in town

ISLAMABAD:

Even though ‘khussa’ has been the traditional footwear in Pakistan for a long time, there is not much variety the capital offers when it comes to ethnic shoes.

Khussa Centre, a little corner-shop in Sector F-10, not only has beautiful handcrafted khussas and kolapuri that are easy on the feet, but their embellished, contemporary designs and vibrant colour schemes distinguish them from others available in the market.

PLEASING TO THE EYE: The designs are intricate and neatly finished, giving the shoes a regal yet modern feel. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS

Khussa sales go up significantly during Ramazan due to Eidul Fitr being close by. Women prefer wearing cultural shoes that match their Eid outfits since they fit the bill perfectly.

Abdullah Rehan, the brainchild behind Khussa Centre, opened this outlet in 1996 when he was only 17. “Due to a price hike in leather products during the late 90’s many businesses were closing down. Being aware of this, I decided to open a store that sells quality ethnic footwear since there weren’t many options available in Islamabad” expressed Rehan.

While speaking about his experience, Rehan told The Express Tribune that “I worked at someone else’s khussa store before starting my own setup.” Once he learned the ropes, he felt that he could produce better products and hence started his own business.

When entering the compact buzzing store, one cannot help but notice an assortment of multi-coloured shoes arranged neatly in different stands.

Each design is aesthetically crafted and is a treat to every ethnic-shoe lover’s eyes. Threaded khussas are placed separately, and pure leather ones in another rack. The designs are intricate and neatly finished, giving the shoes a regal yet modern feel.

Rehan takes his inspiration from nature. “I often look at different colour tones while walking in a park,” shared the 36-year old entrepreneur. Many of my designs failed initially until I got the drift of it, he added. Even after all these years, Rehan designs each and every piece available at his store.

Speaking of quality, Rehan says “I use cow leather without mixing it with cardboard or any other form of animal skin like other khussa-sellers in the country.” This makes my shoes comfortable to wear on an everyday basis, he explained.

All the footwear stocked in Rehan’s setup is handmade with a great attention to detail. “I get the upper embroidery and bead-work done from Jaranwala and purchase the leather from Ahmedpur Sharkia in Punjab myself,” shared Rehan. You find the most experienced craftsmen for traditional footwear in these areas, he expressed. Most people complain of unpredictable shoe sizes when it comes to traditional shoes. Rehan, however, gets the sizes checked twice and returns all items that have the slightest of an issue.

Mukesh, tilla, thread-work and net are some of the varieties available at Khussa Centre. These contemporary and dynamic designs are appreciated by locals and foreigners equally since they compliment eastern as well as western outfits. One can order and get customised designs made as well.

“I have no plans of expanding since quality is one thing I don’t want to compromise on” remarked Rehan, when asked about the next step.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2015.