Rain ware

As the city prepares for the monsoon, designers and street stalls are stocking up on the brightest styles to satisfy your sole

Your mom will probably caution you to dump your fashionable footwear and wear something practical for the monsoon. This might bring to mind images of boring black rubber sandals, spotted on practically every other person at the bus stop. Luckily, you won’t have to sacrifice style in the face of a downpour this season. From the streets to the high-end stores, rain-friendly footwear has taken on many chic avatars.

HT Image

Ateev Anand, of accessories brand AKA Bespoke, created a line of PVC footwear for luxury concept store Bungalow 8 last year, and has expanded the line to Delhi now, with a kiddie shoe collection coming soon.

“Clients want the right umbrella, the perfect trench coat and stylish shoes these days. They’re not willing to compromise just because it’s raining,” he reasons. His shoes may be a little pricey, starting at Rs 3,500, but as Anand points out, “They’re not just for the rains. They can be worn to the beach or while you’re on holiday too.”

Sujal Shah, CEO and co-founder of online clothing label Freecultr, admits they invested in gumboots since they’ve spotted a rise in customers seeking fashionable footwear that goes beyond the monsoons.

Asif Khan manages a shoe stall on Hill Road, which is thronged with college girls and young working professionals excited about his quirky styles. From glittery ballerina flats with giant plastic bows to transparent mules with ankle straps, the collection is diverse.

Khan says, “We have ordered more than 50 different styles this year in sandals, ballet flats, even heels, because customers were demanding
variety. All the items are selling out fast, but the colourful ballet flats are the most popular.”