Our world is flat

Cinderella would have never got her Prince Charming had it not been for her glass shoes. From fairytales to everyday life, shoes have been women's obsession since time immemorial. From Mary Jane worn in Northern America and Europe since the 1930-40s to the slender stilettos which staged a major comeback after 2000, shoes continue to be associated with a woman's personal style and panache.

The luxury market in India is expanding its domain from the consumer of high-end brands to the rapidly growing tribe of brand conscious converts who have lately been acquainted with luxury. The overall luxury market in India, estimated to cross the $8 billion mark this year, witnesses an annual growth of around 20 per cent. However, the apparel and accessories category (which includes footwear) in India grew at a faster pace of 30 per cent in 2010 over the previous year, according to a report on luxury by AT Kearney.

Generally men dominate the footwear market in India, but when it comes to luxury shoes it is women who put their best foot forward, according to store managers.

While the stiletto remains a timeless aspiration, the flat shoe (also those with a slight elevation at the heel) comes to most women's rescue. Its practicality and usability score over the over-hyped heels. “Indian buyers prefer flats and the store has a couple of options for a consumer who isn't fond of a stiletto,” said a supervisor at the recently launched Christian Louboutin store at DLF Emporio in the capital.

Being no stranger to the French brand worn by Hollywood A- listers such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Renee Zellweger, and other celebrities such as Madonna and Nicki Minaj, Delhi is certainly going in for the red-soled ‘deluxe' indulgence like never before.

Interestingly, the store also showcases its range of not-so-high options such as the Metal Nodo, which is a pair of golden ballerinas, and Vaudoo-black patent leather flat sandals with pink stressed organza.

The other flat-style options include Tonguissima-nude leather with a pink gold mirror finish and potpourri and Balinodono-ballet shoes with leopard printed silk satin. However, the Glanol et Raglan and Vol au Vent, both in black, seem specifically suited for the Indian woman. Complimenting the saree, these sandals are a perfect match with traditional wear as well. “I'm looking at the collection and am surprised that we have such a variety to choose from in flats and heels. I am a school teacher, so heels are a big no-no for me, I'd rather try the flats on,” said Kavita Khullar who walked into the store with her daughter.

Its line of Bollywood-inspired shoes called ‘Bollywoody' has embroidered hot pink suede, specially designed for the Indian buyer, as opposed to the European choice of basic black. The colours have been chosen keeping the Indian buyer in mind. The Torero is an embroidered turquoise crepe satin with black embellishments standing tall on 150 mm of heel. With a price range starting at Rs 30,000 for a pair, the store offers an array of shoes, including the dramatic Asteroid, a peep-toe metallic pink leather with zebra print and spikes on its toe. However, their classic Pigale is the most popular.