Organized by
Pleach India Foundation (PIF)
&
Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Hyderabad
India’s design traditions have long transcended borders, shaping global aesthetics in textiles, jewelry, and decorative arts. Today, this influence is visible on international runways, where luxury brands reinterpret Indian forms. Prada’s recent sandals, reminiscent of the traditional Kolhapuri chappals, are one such example bringing to light both the enduring appeal of Indian craftsmanship and the debates around cultural appropriation and authorship.
“Tales Below the Heels” positions Indian footwear within this wider conversation. Far more than functional objects, shoes in India are carriers of meaning: the sacred padukas referenced in mythology and sculpture, the finely embroidered juttis and mojris of royal courts, and the rugged Kolhapuris woven into everyday life. Each form embodies regional artistry, social identity and ritual value, while continuing to inspire contemporary designers across the world.
This exhibition and seminar invite visitors and participants to trace the remarkable journey of Indian footwear its histories, its living practices, and its global resonances. By doing so, it connects the story of what we wear to the larger narrative of India’s design heritage: inventive, resilient and ever relevant.
NATIONAL SEMINAR
ON FOOTWEAR HERITAGE
OF INDIA
Last date for abstract submissionextended to October 31, 2025
Participation registration: October 31, 2025
Download Brochure
Download brochure: concept and key themes of the seminar
Heritage Themed Footwear
Showcase your talent and compete for top honors in design.
Make Your Own Chappal
Join our hands-on workshop and learn the traditional craft of handmade Indian chappals guided by skilled artisans.
NATIONAL SEMINAR
ON FOOTWEAR HERITAGE
OF INDIA
Last date for abstract submission extended to:
October 31, 2025
Participation registration:
October 31, 2025
Download Brochure
Download brochure: concept and key themes of the seminar
Heritage Themed Footwear Design Competition
Showcase your talent and compete for top honors in design.
Make Your Own Chappal
Join our hands-on workshop and learn the traditional craft of handmade Indian chappals guided by skilled artisans.
