There is a certain charm in how people find fascination in both the past and the present. It is often in the meeting of the two that something timeless emerges. The story of Chappers unfolds precisely in that space — where age-old tradition meets modern creativity.
The seed for Chappers was planted far from home, in the United Kingdom. While pursuing his degree in Business Management in Nottingham, Harshwardhan Patwardhan often wore his trusted pair of Kolhapuri sandals — a humble yet deeply rooted symbol of Indian craftsmanship. The simplicity and authenticity of those sandals caught many eyes and drew admiration from friends and strangers alike. What seemed like a passing series of compliments soon turned into a thought that refused to fade — could traditional Indian footwear be reimagined for a new generation?
From family business to personal pursuit
When Harshwardhan returned to India, he began working with his father in the family’s transportation business. However, despite the stability and familiarity that came with it, something was missing. The desire to create something original — something that connected tradition to modern expression — grew stronger. It was then that he revisited the idea born in Nottingham.
The initial phase was filled with exploration. Harshwardhan began travelling to Kolhapur, the home of the Kolhapuri chappal, to observe the craft first-hand. He spent time with artisans, learning about their techniques, materials, and the immense labour involved in each pair. He also travelled to Dharavi, Mumbai’s well-known leather manufacturing hub, to understand how local production networks operated. These solo trips were not just for information but for immersion — he wanted to experience every detail that shaped the final product.
At the same time, India was undergoing a wave of renewed pride in indigenous industries through the Make in India initiative. The campaign inspired Harshwardhan to take the leap and build something entirely his own. With limited resources, he began developing prototypes and distributing them among friends and family for feedback. The sandals were tested rigorously — worn on long treks, in heavy rains, and through daily commutes. The durability and comfort spoke for themselves. Once satisfied with the results, the process moved from experimentation to structured creation.
Naming an identity
A brand, like any creation, needs a name that captures its spirit. The challenge was to find one that honoured the roots of the traditional chappal while resonating with a modern audience. After weeks of brainstorming, Chappers emerged as the chosen name. A colloquial twist on the word chappals, it felt both familiar and refreshingly current.
The philosophy behind Chappers was clear — to take the timeless Kolhapuri and reinterpret it without losing its soul. The result was what the team now calls Indian Handcrafted Sandals — a form that preserves the artistry of handcrafting while offering the comfort expected from contemporary footwear.
Taking the first step
Starting a fashion brand in India’s crowded marketplace was no small feat. The team began modestly, setting up a small stall in a local mall with only a hundred pairs of sandals. Yet, the response they received was far from modest. Customers were drawn to the craftsmanship, comfort, and authenticity of the footwear. What began as a small experiment turned into a validation of an idea — that tradition, when treated with respect and imagination, could still find a place in modern wardrobes.
Encouraged by the early success, Harshwardhan and his team expanded slowly but steadily. Rather than rushing into mass production, they focused on refining their techniques and understanding customer feedback. Each iteration brought new improvements, whether it was experimenting with better cushioning, refining designs, or introducing a new anti-skid rubber layer for enhanced grip.
The heart of Chappers lies in its workshop in Pune, where every pair is meticulously handcrafted. The process is intensive and deeply manual — cutting, stitching, shaping, and hand-polishing. Each craftsman brings years of experience to the table, and their skill ensures that no two pairs are identical.
What sets the brand apart is its approach towards the artisans themselves. Recognising that traditional craftspeople are often underpaid despite their skill, Chappers ensures that its artisans earn nearly three times what they would typically receive for producing a pair of Kolhapuri sandals. This approach not only uplifts the craftsmen but also sustains the craft for future generations.
Growing with purpose
From creating a few samples to selling hundreds of pairs within just weeks, Chappers’ journey reflects more than business growth — it reflects belief, persistence, and purpose. Building a brand that honours the past while embracing the present requires constant evolution. The team continues to explore how traditional designs can coexist with modern aesthetics and functionality.
In an age dominated by fast fashion, where mass production often overshadows craftsmanship, Chappers stands as a reminder that handmade products still hold immense value. Each pair represents a conversation between the maker and the wearer — between heritage and modern life.
What began as an experiment during a student’s stay abroad has now evolved into a meaningful movement — one that preserves an ancient craft while giving it renewed relevance. The journey of Chappers is ongoing, rooted in the belief that Indian craftsmanship, when nurtured with care and creativity, can continue to inspire both locally and globally.
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