Kolhapuri Slippers: Proudly Made in India, the Soul of Handmade Indian Footwear
Few fashion symbols express India’s craftsmanship and culture as elegantly as the Kolhapuri slipper. Handmade in the historic city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, these traditional leather slippers are more than just footwear — they are timeless pieces of art. Every pair of Kolhapuri slippers is a story of dedication. Crafted from natural leather, hand-stitched with traditional techniques, and finished with care, these slippers have walked from Indian villages to global runways. Today, Kolhapuri slippers are worn proudly in India and across the world — in the USA, UK, UAE, and beyond — as symbols of authenticity, comfort, and heritage.
Two modern brands — Chappers and VHAAN — are leading this revival, blending technology, sustainability, and traditional artistry to make the Kolhapuri slipper a global style statement.
Chappers — Where Tradition Meets Technology in Kolhapuri Slippers
Basic Overview
Brand Name: Chappers
Founder: Harshwardhan Patwardhan
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
Industry: Handmade Indian Footwear
Tagline: “Where Tradition Meets Technology”
Founding Story
The journey of Chappers began with a vision to modernize India’s traditional footwear while preserving its cultural essence. Founded by Harshwardhan Patwardhan, the brand aimed to bridge the gap between heritage and high fashion.
Drawing inspiration from Pune’s rich artisan culture, Chappers introduced modern design tools like 3D modeling and custom fitting technology while continuing to employ traditional craftsmen. Their challenge was to present the Kolhapuri slipper as a contemporary, luxury product — and they succeeded.
Growth and Expansion
From a small workshop, Chappers has evolved into a national name. Its collections are sold through leading e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra) and its own online store.
Chappers also exports to the USA, UK, and UAE, capturing the hearts of buyers who appreciate genuine handmade Indian footwear.
Revenue (FY 2023–24): ₹4 crore, a strong indicator of the growing demand for traditional yet fashionable Indian leather footwear.
Quality and Certifications
Uses eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather, free from chromium and synthetic dyes.
Complies with the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) standards.
Holds a DGFT Export License (IEC-certified) for global trade.
Every pair undergoes rigorous testing for comfort, durability, and finish.
Sustainability and Artisan Support
Chappers supports over 200 local artisans, providing fair wages, training, and long-term employment.
Its eco-leather, zero-waste policy, and recyclable packaging make it a responsible brand trusted by global buyers.
Financial Snapshot
Turnover: ₹4 crore (FY 2023–24)
Employees: 50+ direct, 200+ artisans indirectly
Export Share: 15–20%
Why Importers Trust Chappers
Importers prefer Chappers for its consistent sizing, sustainable materials, and export-ready packaging. The brand’s mix of traditional artistry and contemporary design gives retailers a unique product line that stands apart from mass-produced footwear.
VHAAN — The Soul of Tradition, The Sole of India
Basic Overview
Brand Name: VHAAN
Founder: Shrikant Kamat & Team
Founded: 2018
Headquarters: Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Industry: Handmade Indian Footwear
Tagline: “Soul of Tradition. Sole of India.”
Founding Story
Based in the heart of Kolhapur, VHAAN was created to revive and globalize the original Kolhapuri slipper tradition. The founders worked closely with artisan families who have practiced this craft for generations.
Their goal was twofold — to protect the Geographical Indication (GI) identity of Kolhapuri chappals and to create a sustainable livelihood for local craftsmen. By combining e-commerce and heritage craftsmanship, VHAAN brought this ancient art to the modern global marketplace.
Growth and Expansion
Within a few years, VHAAN has grown into one of India’s most recognized Kolhapuri slipper brands. Through its website vhaan.in, the company exports to over 20 countries, including the USA, Canada, UAE, and Australia.
Its estimated turnover (FY 2024–25): ₹6–7 crore, with exports contributing nearly 30% of total revenue.
Quality and Certifications
Registered under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for “Kolhapuri Chappal.”
Certified by MSME India and DGFT Export License.
Follows ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards.
Uses natural dyes, vegetable-tanned buffalo leather, and water-based adhesives.
Manufacturing and Sustainability
All manufacturing takes place in Kolhapur, with skilled artisans crafting each pair by hand. VHAAN ensures export-grade packaging and inspection before shipment.
It employs 300+ artisans, including women from rural Maharashtra, promoting sustainable livelihood and cultural preservation.
Financial Snapshot
Turnover: ₹6–7 crore (FY 2024–25 est.)
Employees: 100+ direct, 300+ artisans
Export Markets: 20+ countries
Export Share: 30%
Why Importers Trust VHAAN
Importers value VHAAN’s GI certification, ISO quality standards, and commitment to sustainability. Its transparent artisan partnerships, consistent export documentation, and eco-friendly production ensure reliability and authenticity in every pair.
Quick Reference Table
| Parameter | Chappers | VHAAN |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2018 |
| Founder | Harshwardhan Patwardhan | Shrikant Kamat |
| Headquarters | Pune, Maharashtra | Kolhapur, Maharashtra |
| Employees | 250+ (direct + artisans) | 400+ (direct + artisans) |
| Certifications | CLE, DGFT Export License | GI Tag, ISO 9001:2015, MSME |
| Export Countries | UAE, USA, UK | 20+ countries |
| Annual Turnover | ₹4 crore (FY 23–24) | ₹6–7 crore (FY 24–25 est.) |
| Product Range | Modern Kolhapuris, sandals, moccasins | Traditional Kolhapuris, belts, wallets |
| Sustainability | Eco-leather, fair wages | GI-tagged handmade craft |
Conclusion: Kolhapuri Slippers — A Global Symbol of Indian Craft
The Kolhapuri slipper stands as one of the finest examples of handmade Indian footwear, embodying India’s legacy of skill, creativity, and sustainability.
Brands like Chappers and VHAAN have proven that tradition and technology can walk hand in hand — delivering authentic, eco-friendly, export-quality footwear to global buyers.
When you choose to import a Kolhapuri slipper, you’re not just importing a product — you’re importing India’s heritage, artistry, and craftsmanship.
This is what makes it truly, and proudly, Made in India.
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