Marilyn Monroe once said that with the right kind of footwear, a girl can conquer the world.
Anyone who has been through the painful process of breaking in a new pair of shoes will vouch for the truth in this statement. While comfort takes the backseat when one wears high heels or platforms, a faded yet comfy pair of sneakers don't exactly turn heads. So when in doubt, turn Indian! The humble 'jutis' are making a comeback and are among the most favoured trends in footwear these days. From simple ones with a pop of colour to elaborately decorated ones with embellishments, this footwear comes in different avatars and styles.
Says Aparajita Toor, a footwear designer, "Since current trends are all about reviving old art and giving it a twist, traditional 'jutis' and kolhapuris are a big hit. These have always been in fashion but recently, we have seen an explosion of new styles and designs in this segment. The best part about these styles is that they can be teamed with jeans, kurtis or salwar kameez. They lend themselves to any outfit perfectly."
It is this compatibility with different kinds of attires that makes these Indian shoes a must have. Initially made famous by the typical Punjabi 'kudi' who carried them off in style with her colourful salwar kameez, these quickly migrated to the famed alleyways of Delhi and Mumbai where fashionistas started sporting them with jeans and designer bags.
Says Karishma Samat, a blogger and fashion stylist at Bella Karisa, "'Jutis' have always been a classic. Although authentically Indian, they still gel with modern day clothing and girls today are experimenting a lot with this footwear. Among the popular designs, the bohemian trend is quite a craze. By teaming a pair of 'jutis' with jeans and a top or even a dress, one can create a very modern-chic look. 'Jutis' offer an on-trend appeal mixed with all day comfort which makes them a must-have in your shoe closet."
Says Poonam Chadha of 'Ada Footwear', "We have come up with 'jutis' that have a Bohemian design on them. They are an amalgamation of Indian craftsmanship and European Bohemian prints which defines how global the humble juti has become."
Relegated to the bottom most level of accessories (literally!) for a long time, shoes are coming into the limelight and they are giving even jewellery pieces a run for their money now. Says Akanksha Chhabra of 'Pastels & Pop', "No longer are these limited to block colours or simple leather. 'Jutis' nowadays are works of art with gorgeous embroideries, pretty prints and quirky elements like pom poms and metallic coins and compliment any western outfit.
These elements are carefully chosen so as to give a seamless sartorial experience where the jutis are one with the attire and the one pulling them off." Stressing on the comfortability factor, Akanksha adds, "The best part about them is that they are flats and come with double cushioning so they make the most comfortable pair of shoes. Which is why they are the favourites of ladies over a wide age group and for any occasion."
Depending on whether one is wearing them for a wedding or for a casual day out with friends, one can select 'jutis' with heels, elaborate embroidery and sparkling embellishments or can opt for funky ones with floral prints and vivid hues. Or you can just ditch common sense and buy everything. After all, life is too short for ugly shoes.
Marilyn Monroe once said that with the right kind of footwear, a girl can conquer the world.
Anyone who has been through the painful process of breaking in a new pair of shoes will vouch for the truth in this statement. While comfort takes the backseat when one wears high heels or platforms, a faded yet comfy pair of sneakers don’t exactly turn heads. So when in doubt, turn Indian! The humble 'jutis’ are making a comeback and are among the most favoured trends in footwear these days. From simple ones with a pop of colour to elaborately decorated ones with embellishments, this footwear comes in different avatars and styles.
Says Aparajita Toor, a footwear designer, "Since current trends are all about reviving old art and giving it a twist, traditional 'jutis’ and kolhapuris are a big hit. These have always been in fashion but recently, we have seen an explosion of new styles and designs in this segment. The best part about these styles is that they can be teamed with jeans, kurtis or salwar kameez. They lend themselves to any outfit perfectly.”
It is this compatibility with different kinds of attires that makes these Indian shoes a must have. Initially made famous by the typical Punjabi 'kudi’ who carried them off in style with her colourful salwar kameez, these quickly migrated to the famed alleyways of Delhi and Mumbai where fashionistas started sporting them with jeans and designer bags.
Says Karishma Samat, a blogger and fashion stylist at Bella Karisa, "'Jutis’ have always been a classic. Although authentically Indian, they still gel with modern day clothing and girls today are experimenting a lot with this footwear. Among the popular designs, the bohemian trend is quite a craze. By teaming a pair of 'jutis’ with jeans and a top or even a dress, one can create a very modern-chic look. 'Jutis’ offer an on-trend appeal mixed with all day comfort which makes them a must-have in your shoe closet.”
Says Poonam Chadha of 'Ada Footwear’, "We have come up with 'jutis’ that have a Bohemian design on them. They are an amalgamation of Indian craftsmanship and European Bohemian prints which defines how global the humble juti has become.”
Relegated to the bottom most level of accessories (literally!) for a long time, shoes are coming into the limelight and they are giving even jewellery pieces a run for their money now. Says Akanksha Chhabra of 'Pastels & Pop’, "No longer are these limited to block colours or simple leather. 'Jutis’ nowadays are works of art with gorgeous embroideries, pretty prints and quirky elements like pom poms and metallic coins and compliment any western outfit.
These elements are carefully chosen so as to give a seamless sartorial experience where the jutis are one with the attire and the one pulling them off.” Stressing on the comfortability factor, Akanksha adds, "The best part about them is that they are flats and come with double cushioning so they make the most comfortable pair of shoes. Which is why they are the favourites of ladies over a wide age group and for any occasion.”
Depending on whether one is wearing them for a wedding or for a casual day out with friends, one can select 'jutis’ with heels, elaborate embroidery and sparkling embellishments or can opt for funky ones with floral prints and vivid hues. Or you can just ditch common sense and buy everything. After all, life is too short for ugly shoes.