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The National
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Kolhapuri chappals are now high fashion, but here's how I get real ones for a song
India's rich culture has inspired many international fashion brands over the decades. Hermes, Saint Laurent and, more recently, Gucci have all created their version of the sari. The late Karl Lagerfeld showcased pieces reminiscent of the bandhgala kurta for Chanel's autumn 2012 collection, while Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin footwear have featured Indian-inspired embroidery over the years. Several brands have also taken popular ethnic garments such as dupattas, Nehru jackets and turbans, and fused it with their designs. This week, as part of its spring/summer 2026 show in Milan, Prada sent out footwear that resembles the humble Kolhapuri chappal, a handcrafted tan-coloured leather sandal that can be found in almost every Indian home – and a style I have been wearing since I can remember. Kolhapuri chappals are believed to have originated around the 13th century in the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, where artisans and cobblers made them by hand – from cutting and shaping the cowhide leather and stitching all the pieces together, to adding colour using vegetable dyes. Known by different names across India, including paytaan and kachkadi, these sturdy sandals are an everyday staple for both men and women. The versatile style, from the classic tan and dark brown designs to ones with colourful straps, pairs well with both Indian and non-Indian outfits. They are also comfortable to wear and walk around in all day – just maybe not during the monsoons. Gold and silver-strapped versions can be worn during Diwali and on other special occasions, while colourful Kolhapuris add a fun touch to daywear, depending on your mood. Some brands also make Kolhapuris with wedge heels. I still buy handmade pieces from markets on my visits back home, such as in Old Delhi, a must-visit if a trip to India is on the cards. A plain pair costs about 800 to 1,000 rupees (up to Dh42), while an ornate pair will set you back about 1,500-1,800 rupees (up to Dh77). One of my favourite places to buy handmade Kolhapuris is Dilli Haat, in the heart of New Delhi. Here, you can find footwear with sequins and embroidery – at a fraction of the price usually charged by branded stores. While they are traditionally crafted in light tan, a pair can be made as dark as you want as the artisans add dye to it on the spot. I have also discovered other brands that have added a modern spin to this classic chappal with detailed embroidery and ornate embellishments. There are bright, fun and colourful pairs, often featuring varying colours for the sole and strap that offer a nice contrast to all the black clothes I like to wear. Many of these brands also work directly with craftswomen in villages and ship internationally, including to the UAE, with prices starting at about 3,000 rupees (Dh128). Prices for Prada's "version" have not been revealed yet, but the brand's men's sandals are typically priced from Dh3,000. While a luxury purchase often represents feel-good indulgence, for something that takes inspiration from an ancient handicraft, perhaps it's better to support artisans who have been keeping these traditions alive for hundreds of years.
CNN
12-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Nike's first Indian design collaboration nods to a 5,000-year-old tie-dyeing technique
Nike has launched its first ever collaboration with an Indian fashion label, unveiling a range of patterned sportswear inspired by the country's ancient tie-dying techniques. Created alongside Delhi-based brand NorBlack NorWhite, the colorful footwear and apparel collection 'invites women into sport' while celebrating 'Indian culture and craftsmanship,' according to a Nike press release. The brands' new campaign, unveiled this week, features Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, alongside wrestler Anshu Malik and sprinter Priya Mohan. Accompanying images, shot by celebrated fashion photographer Bharat Sikka, show the female athletes posing in the historic city of Jaipur — including on its iconic stepwells. The move signals Nike's renewed ambitions for a market in which it has experienced mixed fortunes since entering, via a licensing deal, in 1995. After established a wholly owned subsidiary nine years later, the company gambled heavily on the country's most popular sport, cricket, beating rivals Adidas and Reebok to a 1.97-billion-rupee (then $44 million) deal to outfit the Indian national team in 2005. But Nike has since struggled to make commercial inroads, with local media reporting in 2019 that it had slashed the number of stores in India to 150, down from a peak of 350. The brand's website directory currently lists just 93 stores in India, compared to more than 2,600 in mainland China, a market of comparable population. The sportwear giant also appears to be pushing its women's apparel business, which has traditionally lagged behind its menswear. Several recent campaigns have spotlighted female athletes, with this year's Super Bowl ad featuring WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Olympic sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson. The collection with female-owned NorBlack NorWhite features a hoodie, tank top, T-shirt and sports bras, as well as a cross-body bag and several pairs of sneakers, including a variation of the popular Air Max range. The items' patterned motifs nod to 'bandhani,' a hand-dying technique — thought to date back 5,000 years — used on the subcontinent to produce vibrant, geometric shapes on woven cloth. It is a technique that NorBlack NorWhite has often incorporated into its designs. Founded by Canadian-born designers Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, following their relocation to India in 2010, the label is known for combining streetwear with local craft traditions. In a statement, published via Nike's website, Kapadiya said the brand 'started with a deep admiration for the crafts practices of India and the people who bring them to life.' 'This collection shines a light on the rigor, dedication and ancestral knowledge that's rooted in Indian culture,' she added, 'and we hope each piece inspires women to draw into their own athletic mindset while navigating everyday life in India and around the world.'
CNN
12-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Nike's first Indian design collaboration nods to a 5,000-year-old tie-dyeing technique
Nike has launched its first ever collaboration with an Indian fashion label, unveiling a range of patterned sportswear inspired by the country's ancient tie-dying techniques. Created alongside Delhi-based brand NorBlack NorWhite, the colorful footwear and apparel collection 'invites women into sport' while celebrating 'Indian culture and craftsmanship,' according to a Nike press release. The brands' new campaign, unveiled this week, features Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, alongside wrestler Anshu Malik and sprinter Priya Mohan. Accompanying images, shot by celebrated fashion photographer Bharat Sikka, show the female athletes posing in the historic city of Jaipur — including on its iconic stepwells. The move signals Nike's renewed ambitions for a market in which it has experienced mixed fortunes since entering, via a licensing deal, in 1995. After established a wholly owned subsidiary nine years later, the company gambled heavily on the country's most popular sport, cricket, beating rivals Adidas and Reebok to a 1.97-billion-rupee (then $44 million) deal to outfit the Indian national team in 2005. But Nike has since struggled to make commercial inroads, with local media reporting in 2019 that it had slashed the number of stores in India to 150, down from a peak of 350. The brand's website directory currently lists just 93 stores in India, compared to more than 2,600 in mainland China, a market of comparable population. The sportwear giant also appears to be pushing its women's apparel business, which has traditionally lagged behind its menswear. Several recent campaigns have spotlighted female athletes, with this year's Super Bowl ad featuring WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Olympic sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson. The collection with female-owned NorBlack NorWhite features a hoodie, tank top, T-shirt and sports bras, as well as a cross-body bag and several pairs of sneakers, including a variation of the popular Air Max range. The items' patterned motifs nod to 'bandhani,' a hand-dying technique — thought to date back 5,000 years — used on the subcontinent to produce vibrant, geometric shapes on woven cloth. It is a technique that NorBlack NorWhite has often incorporated into its designs. Founded by Canadian-born designers Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, following their relocation to India in 2010, the label is known for combining streetwear with local craft traditions. In a statement, published via Nike's website, Kapadiya said the brand 'started with a deep admiration for the crafts practices of India and the people who bring them to life.' 'This collection shines a light on the rigor, dedication and ancestral knowledge that's rooted in Indian culture,' she added, 'and we hope each piece inspires women to draw into their own athletic mindset while navigating everyday life in India and around the world.'
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Apparel Group and Go Colors launch first international store at Dubai's Silicon Central Mall
Dubai, UAE – Apparel Group proudly announces the international debut of Go Colors with the launch of its first store outside India at Silicon Central Mall, Dubai. This strategic expansion brings Go Colors' extensive range of everyday and occasion-based bottomwear to a new global audience, marking a key milestone in the brand's global growth journey. Founded in India, Go Colors has built a strong presence across the country with a wide network of over 750 stores and a product portfolio that spans across all occasions offering more than 50 bottomwear silhouettes in an extensive palette of colors, with inclusive sizing options designed to cater to women and girls across different age groups and body types. In Dubai, Go Colors has entered into a partnership with Apparel Group, one of the region's leading retail conglomerates. The collaboration marks a strategic step forward for both companies—extending Go Colors' reach into international markets while introducing a distinct, function-forward fashion label to Apparel Group's diverse brand portfolio. Notably, this also represents Apparel Group's first partnership with an Indian-born fashion brand in the UAE. 'This is a significant step for us as we expand outside India.' said Gautam Saraogi, CEO & Founder of Go Colors. 'Dubai is a diverse and dynamic market, and we're excited to bring our range to customers here in partnership with Apparel Group, whose retail expertise and strong presence in the region make them an ideal collaborator for this milestone. The Middle East presents a promising opportunity for growth, and Dubai is a strategic starting point for our journey in the region.' Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, added: 'At Apparel Group, we take pride in identifying and nurturing promising brands with strong potential. Go Colors' distinctive focus on inclusive, stylish, and affordable bottomwear aligns with our commitment to offering versatile fashion options for every customer. We're excited to welcome them into our retail ecosystem and look forward to driving their growth across the Middle East.' The Dubai store will house a curated selection of products, including leggings, denims, trousers, joggers, and other bottomwear essentials designed to work across different occasions — from casual to workwear looks. The expansion signals Go Colors' growing ambitions in international markets, starting with the Middle East. About Apparel Group: Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate based in Dubai, UAE, with a growing network of 2,300+ stores and a diverse portfolio of 85+ international brands across 14 countries. The Group has established a strong presence in the GCC—Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman—and continues to expand across key markets including India, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Egypt. Offering an integrated omni-channel experience, Apparel Group represents global names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, ALDO, Charles & Keith, and Tim Hortons. Its sustained growth is driven by a multicultural workforce of 27,000+ and steered under the leadership of its founders, Sima Ganwani Ved and Nilesh Ved. About AppCorp Holding: AppCorp Holding, led by Founder and Chairman Nilesh Ved, is a multi-billion-dollar transnational holding that, through its flagship company Apparel Group, operates across 14 countries, managing 2,300+ stores and representing 85+ international and homegrown brands with a workforce of 27,000+ employees. The holding has built a diverse portfolio spanning retail, food and beverage, real estate, logistics, healthcare, education, and investment. For more information, visit About Go Colors Go Colors [Go Fashion (India) Limited], a publicly listed company in India, is a leading brand specializing in women's bottom wear. Our extensive collection offers a diverse range of colors and styles to complement any top, all conveniently available under one roof. Go Colors has a network 750 plus exclusive brand stores across India and is also present in 2000 plus large format stores. Our product portfolio spans across all occasions offering more than 50 bottomwear silhouettes in an extensive palette of colors, with inclusive sizing options designed to cater to women and girls across different age groups and body types. Committed to offering premium quality products, we strive to maintain affordability without compromising on quality. Additionally, with 750 plus stores across India, our brand is easily accessible to customers nationwide. Prem Ramachandran The Dream Earth Dubai, UAE Email: prem@
Vogue Arabia
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
First Look: Janhvi Kapoor Makes her Cannes Film Festival Debut
Janhvi is the 28-year-old daughter of Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor and late actress Sridevi. Her sister Khushi Kapoor is also an actress, as is her cousin, Sonam Kapoor. She has appeared in over a dozen films since making her acting debut in 2018, and has also starred on runways for labels like Rahul Mishra, Amit Aggarwal and Kalki at Lakme Fashion Week in India. For her first-ever red carpet look at Cannes, she placed her trust in Tahiliani and her cousin – stylist Rhea Kapoor – to conceptualise the outfit. 'I think she [Rhea] really wanted to bring out a side of me that hasn't been explored much, and focus more on my face and on how she sees me,' Janhvi explains. Making the dress: Tarun Tahiliani Making the dress: Tarun Tahiliani For both of the Kapoors, it was important that Janhvi wear an Indian designer for her first Cannes appearance. 'I really think it's their time to shine. I mean, I've known this for a really long time,' says the actress. 'A lot of the textiles that are put on these international garments, on these international red carpets, on these huge Western actors or huge global stars from all around the world have been textiles that were manufactured and created in India by Indian and craftsmen. So I think it is high time that's put on a global stage and our designers are given the kind of credit that they deserve," she adds, pointing out that the Met Gala last month saw a great turnout of Indian designers, from Sabyasachi to Gaurav Gupta and Prabal Gurung. 'I think I look the best and I feel my most comfortable in Indian clothes. And if I'm being put on a global stage like this, I'd like to feel my most comfortable and confident. So it was honestly a very organic decision for me.' 'Specifically for the film that I've come here with, it was important for me to stay in touch with my roots,' continues Janhvi, who is in Cannes for the premiere of her film, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. Also starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, it tells the story of two friends from a village in North India who find their friendship impacted when they pursue jobs as police officers. Janhvi says that although the plot is rooted in India, it has global relevance. 'It's a story that I think is the need of the hour. It invites people to introspect at being perpetrators, or at the receiving end of any sort of social exclusion, which I think is a human tragedy that's occurring all around the world in different countries," she shares. "It's an observational piece on different sorts of social hierarchies, and a study of human nature.' This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Keeping these themes in mind, she gave Rhea a brief about the film, and expressed the kind of energy she wanted to embody, in terms of being taken 'a little more seriously' for her Cannes debut. And while Janhvi acknowledges that fashion is a massive aspect of the festival, she points out that the event is ultimately about the movies being honoured. 'I really wanted the attention to stay on the fact that we're here representing a film,' she says. 'It's a huge opportunity to even be in the vicinity of so many artists that I admire and look up to, and the fact that our movie is in competition is nerve-wracking, but very exciting. I'm thrilled, and constantly pinching myself.'
