The Chappers Story

Where It All Began

The story of Chappers began far from home.

While studying Business Management at the University of Nottingham, founder Harshwardhan Patwardhan often wore traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. What started as a personal style preference unexpectedly drew curiosity and admiration abroad.

People appreciated the craftsmanship, silhouette, and uniqueness of the footwear. Yet one question continued to surface:

Why wasn't Indian handcrafted footwear being presented in a more modern and global way?

That thought became the foundation of Chappers.

Returning to the Roots

After returning to India, Harshwardhan briefly explored his family's transportation business, but his ambitions lay elsewhere. He wanted to build something rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and individuality.

This led him to Kolhapur, where he began working closely with artisans, understanding traditional construction methods, experimenting with materials, and rethinking comfort and design for modern consumers.

The intention was never to change the soul of the craft but to reinterpret it for a new generation.

The First Steps

In 2014, with modest capital and a few handcrafted pairs, Chappers began its journey from a small stall in a mall.

There were no large campaigns, no massive production setups, and no guarantees only a belief that thoughtfully designed handcrafted footwear could connect with people seeking something authentic yet contemporary.

The response was immediate.

Customers resonated with the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, validating the idea that Indian footwear could evolve without losing its identity.

Our Journey

  • 2014 - The Beginning

    Chappers was founded with a mission to reimagine traditional handcrafted footwear for the modern generation.

  • 2015 - The Brand Takes Shape

    The early years focused on refining craftsmanship, experimenting with design, and building the foundation of the Chappers brand.

  • 2017 - Workshop, Store & Craftsmanship

    With the launch of its workshop and premium retail space, Chappers entered a new phase rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and customer experience.

  • 2019 - Style Meets Comfort

    Chappers introduced more fashion-forward collections while focusing on enhanced comfort, wearability, and everyday appeal.

  • 2022 - Personalization & New Styles

    The introduction of the customization experience transformed how customers interacted with Chappers, bringing design, creativity, and individuality together.

  • 2024 - Retail Identity & Premium Experience

    With flagship retail spaces, iconic interiors, and bold visual storytelling, Chappers evolved into a complete lifestyle experience.

  • 2026 - New Categories. New Energy

    From Corkies and summer essentials to wedding collections and lifestyle products, Chappers expanded into versatile categories designed for modern audiences.