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Slipping into success (View Comments)
Sheetal Srivastava
Posted On Monday, January 04, 2010 at 11:03:28 AM
Footwear design and manufacturing is a complex process but if one has the passion, anything is possible, says shoe consultant Neomy Khatau. We take a sneak peek into her life as she helps us explore how to jewel one’s feet in today’s time
Women always thrive to create their own style and make their own fashion statement in order to make a mark. Their constant chase to stand out from the crowd has given birth to new panache. Today, when style quotient has become a part of our lives, we can’t afford to miss a single specialised consultant in the city. “Dealing with footwear made and sold in India, I realised the lack of style/design in basic footwear. This highly provoked me into styling and designing shoes using India’s rich heritage-its colors, motifs, fabrics and working on both the design and technical fronts of shoemaking which gave birth to my brand KAN-a contemporary line of handcrafted footwear reflecting an amalgamation of design and craftsmanship,” says Khatau.
“With the help of specialists and talented craftsmen, I juxtapose diverse materials such as raw silk, faux leathers, brocades and suede, with embellishments such as payals, pearls, and kundan work. Together, we endeavor to constantly innovate and present a fusion of the East, West, design, style and comfort through our products and services,” she adds.
Start up
Khatau, who likes being called a ‘Designpreneur,’ has been in this profession for the last 5-6 years. On asking her about the kind of training which she had to undergo she says, “The best training that I have got has been on the job. Spending hours with the workers on the work floor has given me the maximum insight into designing and executing the making of a shoe.”
“When I started KAN I had no formal training in this industry but tones of passion, gusto and faith. The learning curve for me was a great high as well as a deep low. Day after day at the unit, observing, asking questions, taking apart shoes made in different countries to learn constructions used, perusing books and the internet, interacting with members of the industry, I was able to learn to make an almost perfect shoe. I am still learning how to make the “perfect shoe,” affirms Khatau.
Typical Day
“Not too many people realise and appreciate what goes into the making of a shoe. It is highly technical as you have to design ergonomically a product that will bear the entire body weight. There are diploma and degree courses that one can take in footwear design and manufacturing,” suggests Khatau.
Speaking about her typical day at work she says, “Mornings are generally spent in attending to routine work such as checking emails, going through orders and payments- the mundane things that have to be dealt with. Afternoon is my favourite time of the day which is spent in brainstorming with my team and working on new designs/styles.”
Need consultation?
Khatau feels that the choice and selection of footwear does and does not vary with a woman’s age and occupation. As one grows older, there will definitely be a leaning towards comfort but that does not mean it has to be at the cost of style. “The process for custom creations is intricate and consists of an initial interview and sizing, wardrobe + shoe consultation for style, and occasionally additional fittings for modifications and accommodations. I can create both custom-ordered designs and original creations based upon personal interviews with clients. I would draw upon a multitude of materials, so that my fashion-forward clients can stay a step ahead,” notes Khatau.
On being asked about her next career move, if any, “I want to strive to diversify into other accessories besides shoes,” concludes Khatau.
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