Kolhapuris: The Timeless Footwear Tradition Reimagined for the Modern Fashion World

From Village Streets to Vogue: How Kolhapuris Are Owning the Style Game Again

Some fashion comebacks feel more like homecomings.
And Kolhapuris? They never really left.

What started as a humble leather slipper worn across Maharashtrian towns is now turning heads on international runways. With Prada recently giving Kolhapuris a luxury twist, the world is catching up to what we’ve always known - there’s magic in this timeless design.

The heritage of Kolhapuris

Kolhapuris were never just “shoes.” They were handcrafted, sun-baked, vegetable-tanned pieces of tradition made by families who passed down their craft like a legacy. No stitches. Just skill. No factory. Just heart and hands.

Built to endure and designed for comfort, Kolhapuris became a staple in Indian households, especially in hot climates. Their appeal has always been in their simplicity, durability, and understated charm.

When Prada picked up Kolhapuris

For years, Kolhapuris remained a local hero. Until global fashion houses like Prada decided to look east for inspiration and saw gold.

When Prada introduced a pair of sandals that echoed the Kolhapuri design, it didn’t go unnoticed. Fashion writers, stylists, and cultural critics alike took note. And what followed was a collective realisation: Indian craftsmanship isn’t just traditional, it’s timeless.

It was a moment of validation. A reminder that what we’ve worn for years, with pride and comfort, can also be luxurious, desirable, and high fashion.

Gossip Shoes: Honouring the craft, rewriting the rules

At Gossip Shoes, this movement isn’t just a trend to ride on. It’s a responsibility and a creative opportunity. We work closely with artisans who understand the original Kolhapuri DNA. Their hands carry years of experience, and their techniques haven’t changed much for a reason, because they work. But we also bring in something new - a sense of design that’s relevant to today.

Our Kolhapuris are softer, more adaptable, and made to pair just as effortlessly with linen co-ords as they do with sarees. Think muted nudes, metallic hints, ankle straps, cushioned soles, and even vegan leather options. We’re not rewriting the story. We’re adding chapters.

More than just footwear

Wearing Kolhapuris today is not just a style decision. It’s a quiet act of rebellion against fast fashion. It’s a nod to slower living, to appreciating craftsmanship, to supporting artisans who’ve kept this legacy alive despite changing times.

Our collection is designed for the modern woman who loves a touch of tradition but refuses to compromise on comfort or style. Whether she’s heading to brunch, a beach vacation, or a boardroom with a personality-packed outfit, these Kolhapuris walk with her, effortlessly.

The verdict? Kolhapuris are having a moment, and it’s well deserved.

The best part is, this isn’t a comeback. It’s a continuation. A reminder that fashion isn’t always about what’s new, it’s about what lasts. And Kolhapuris have always known how to last.

So the next time you slip into a pair, know this - you’re not just wearing a sandal. You’re stepping into a story. One that started in a quiet corner of Maharashtra and has now found its place in the world.

And Gossip Shoes is proud to be part of that journey, redefining what it means to walk in tradition, with style.