In 2016, a self-confessed shoe aficionado, Chirag Kothari, launched Trumpet Shoes—a brand of luxury footwear made by hand in India because he felt he couldn’t genuinely find home-grown brands—which offered shoes for the modern Indian man. He would know considering he owns around 100 pairs of shoes in different styles from all around the world! Born and raised in Mumbai, Kothari joining his father’s business was a sort of rite of passage to real life after completing his education. “My dad’s business deals with building materials. I worked with him for almost three years. After a while, I started finding it monotonous and felt like it didn’t leave me any room to channel my creativity.”
That’s when he decided to explore his passion for all things shoes, but from the manufacturing side. Kothari dived right into hands-on research locally— he met and spent time with several Mumbai-based cobblers and made samples. Right then, he knew he was on the right track! “Once I was clear on what I wanted to do, I decided to expand my knowledge about shoe-making. I flew to Florence, Italy—the mecca of fine leather craftsmanship. Brands like D&G, TomFord, Valentino and more get their shoes handmade by the artisans in Florence.”
In Florence, he underwent an extended apprenticeship with Italy’s oldest and most venerated artisan—Angelo—a shoe-master who has helped build major shoe brands in Italy. Under the master’s guidance Kothari learned vital practical knowhow of the traditional art of handmade shoes. Upon his return to the country, he launched Trumpet Shoes. The name Trumpet came into being during one of the conversations at his father’s company while with some friends and clients. “Trumpet is inspired by the smooth, cool vibe of a jazz musician. I thought it perfectly resonated with my brand—catering to the contemporary Indian male with a discerning eye for all the fine things in life.”
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Designed in Italy and handcrafted in India, Trumpet offers a range of colours, textures and prints in rich calfskin leather, suede and specialty velvet, which gives a royal, luxurious feel. “Our materials are chosen with great care and on account of their durability and quality. My manufacturing unit in Chennai, has been entrusted with a 60-year-old family-owned factory with experienced and highly skilled craftsmen, proficient in producing the quality that Trumpet guarantees its customers.” Though the label makes tie-ups, Derby and other formal shoes, Kothari prides in making the most versatile range of loafers. “We make formal/casual loafers, and almost 100 per cent of my clients keep coming back for them. Loafers are fuss-free and easy-to-wear without having to compromise in style.”
The brand has also partnered with bespoke menswear designer Govinda Mehta. Trumpet shoes are on display, and can be purchased from Mehta’s atelier in South Mumbai. In March 2021, the young entrepreneur took a giant step towards leaving his mark in the luxury footwear space in the country: By opening his maiden flagship store in Prabhadevi. He plans to expand and have franchises in Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Surat and other cities across India, gradually.
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Kothari is of the opinion in the business of creating, an undying passion towards what you do is what will make you stand the test of time. “For me money is secondary. Our shoes are different because so much care and heart have been poured into them. I’m constantly involved in R&D, and always thinking about new styles, construction, sourcing the best materials and investing time to make sure every pair of shoe that comes out of the factory is top-notch.” In just five years, his brand has a legion of fans just through word of mouth, and some of the known faces to be spotted in them are—actors Rajkummar Rao, Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and many more.
He also has clear plans for his treasured brand. “I want Trumpet Shoes to be a recognised name worldwide. No Indian shoe-brand is even considered to be in the same league as some of the luxury labels available. I want to change that, and put my label on the global map.”
[Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chiragk18/]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle