Never Out Of Style - Kohlapuri Chappals
​
Desi flip flop that never go out of trend,kohlapuri easily spotted at lajpat nagar
​
Maharashtra is famous for kohlapuri chappals. They are Indian hand-crafted leather slippers that are tanned using vegetable dyes. Kolhapuri Chappals or Kolhapuris as they are commonly referred to are a style of open-toed, T-strap sandal which originated from kohlapur. They were initially known as ‘Kapashi’, Pie-taan’, Kachkadi’, Bakkalnali’, and Pukari, since these were the names of the various villages where the chappals were made and hand crafted. Original kohlapuri is made from 100% cow or buffalo leather and no nails or sharp things are used in footwear while stitching and punching process.
​
The designs have moved from the ethnic to ones with more utilitarian value and materials from primal hard materials to softer and more comfortable to wear materials. The artisans themselves designed ethnic patterns and sold, but today the traders and businessmen with demand for cheap products drive the requirement of minimalist designs.
​
A place in lajpat nagar provides the varieties of Kohlapuri chapals. This is place where one can find kohlapuri chappals in all sorts of colours ranging from green, red, pink, gold, silver, purple, blue, yellow, black, orange; the list is endless. Variety of patterns, sizes, usage of material like gota and pomp pomp is available over there. A pair of kohlapuri chappals can can compliment a jeans and tshirt look as well as ethnic fashion wear like saree and salwar kameez.
“People find kohlapuri chapals very comfortable as it does not cause any shoe bite. Many foreigners buy these chapals, they find it trendy and comfortable” said Anil, owner of the shop
He added that the kohlapuri is trending and chapals are sold but they find it difficult to compete with the big footwear brands.
Price- 150 to 500
​
Where- Kolhapuri Centre
​
Location- 8b, Central Market, Lajpat Nagar, Central Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110024
Contact- 011 2983 5827
Nearest metro station- Lajpat nagar
Contributed by: - Paridhi garg
