Indian Beaded Footwear Sets A Fashion Trend
July 2, 2008
Touted as he next big economic powerhouse, after flirting with Indian aspirations, it’s not just Indian fashion that is in vogue, but it has emerged as the single largest influence in western fashion trends. From boutiques to high-end departmental stores, even stores like Old Navy that cater to the masses, Indian influences have run riot. And, it is not just garments. Little India can be seen in accessories like handbags, footwear, bangles and, of course, the hottest trend-chandelier earrings.
Shop anywhere in New York starting on the southern fringes of Central Park and window-shopping 20-blocks downtown along Fifth Avenue, and one is convinced that it is an Indian summer. The showroom windows are all about colour, sequins and intricate embroidery, the leitmotif of Indian fashion, and then there is Indian beaded footwear from Muktsar juttis to embroidered sandals that have set a trend in global fashion.
The rich accents of Indian colour, beading and embellishments figure strongly as Indian influences in western fashion are seen everywhere.
The tradition of Indian beaded footwear has lost none of its charm in today’s world of fashion. Beaded and embroidered sandals, Mukhtsar juttis have not only been endorsed by Bollywood actresses, but also by International celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Late Princess Diana, the Clinton mother and daughter duo, Elizabeth Hurley, Anna Kournikova, Madonna and Sharon Stone.
The city of Mukhtsar best known for its beaded footwear known as juttis are have long been synonymous with the trade of Indian beaded and embroidered footwear. The Indian workmen churn out exquisite creations adorned with tilla zari or gold embroidery work, phulkari or floral embroidery. Made from the softest of leathers, are not only comfortable but are also have longer lives than regular sandals or shoes. With their advent into the fashion world, they have become important at weddings and Indian festivals.
Coming in various hues and colours, with a little bit of patience one can find a perfect match for any special outfit, whether you are looking for wedding jutties, zari and sequined jutties, designer jutties, Kolapuri chappals, Kolapuri shoes, bridal jutties, Muktsar juttis, Rajasthani jutti, mojaris, nagras, khussa shoes and sherwani jutties for men and for women. And, for those who care for the environment, these juttis are not only eco-friendly; they are also made according to traditional methods. Rural artisans use mostly vegetable tanned leather from animals that have died natural deaths. They are made from leather that is free of harmful chemicals and have with excellent thermal insulation. Sewn together with eco-friendly cotton and silk threads, the flat soled juttis are very comfortable for walking in.
Trendy, the issue uppermost in people’s mind is whether the Indian influence is just a fad, or whether it is part of a trend and will eventually evolve and assume new forms in the world of fashion. Those well versed in changing trends and fashion business believe this is just the beginning. It can be so if Indian designers make the global cut with very contemporary designs. Till then, it’s time to celebrate the first ever Indian summer, the Indian summer of Indian bead and embroidered juttis on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan in New York, US of A!



























