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Step with style

Purobi Menon

In an increasingly well-groomed world, footwear has come into its own. What was once a ubiquitous pair of sandals, which saw you through all seasons, has become fashion-wear and seasonal thanks to globalisation and a growing awareness of international tr ends. One of the leading Indian names in designer footwear is Ashley, owned by Deepika Mehra.

For Deepika, it's been a long haul from the dusty lanes of Agra -- a city famous for footwear -- from the moment her husband decided to start a shoe business. Soon, Deepika found herself in the thick of things and became an inseparable part of the ventur e.

With her interest in designs and colours, she attended international fairs at Dusseldorf and Italy to keep abreast of the latest trends. Today, Ashley brings out seasonal footwear twice a year. Her clientele is discerning and appreciative of her choice o f colour palette, she says.

In fact, Deepika says, one customer was exasperated waiting for her current pair of Ashley shoes to give way so she could buy another!

Ashley footwear also incorporates ergonomic factors to enhance comfortability. Special, elasticated soft fabrics imported from Italy are used in the casual range of shoes, loafers and flat shoes.

Winter fashions this year were partial to boots, both ankle-length and knee-high. Angular high-heels and a long, sleek frontal appearance were in vogue. Ashley has crafted closed shoes in calf and kid leather with heels that are elegant and small and nar row toe-shapes. There is the cowboy look for those who prefer rugged and sporty styles.

Pink, lilac, burgundy and turquoise are the colours to choose from. For those who prefer to keep step with global trends, a range of animal-print leathers in ostrich, python and crocodile prints is available in vibrant red, turquoise and sleek black. Met allic leathers, too, are the colours of the season -- with silver and gold-foil leathers and pewter, honeycomb, gunmetal and bronze calf being sought after.

For a touch of glamour, Ashley's evening-wear segment ranges from jewelled and beaded sandals to metallic leathers. Hand and machine-embroidery on rich silks, transparent taffetas, tissues and nets have been incorporated in this collection. Fabric shoes in brocade are teamed with matching handbags and scarves.

Recently, Ashley's repertoire expanded to include men's footwear. The label, Leiner for men, comprises casual and sporty sandals. Supple, waxy leather, which is high on comfort, has been used and the shoes have been hand-crafted. The designs are visually appealing and priced Rs 1,650 upwards. Ashley women's boots are priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 while slippers range from Rs 990 to Rs 2,500.

In India, Deepika retails from Ambawata Complex in Mehrauli, Santushti in New Delhi and from Crossroads in Mumbai. Ashley footwear is sold as Country Road in the US and Australia, as Vivaldi and Roland Cartier in the UK and as Rodier and Balmain in Franc e. Ashley retails under its own brand name in South Africa, the Middle-East and Singapore.