Malini Ramani

Think Bata and a sense of nostalgia kicks in — the reliable rubber chappals that one has spent many years wearing. It has been the common man’s trusted and most obvious choice of shoe brand. Then Bata brought in slightly high-end alternative choices — Hush Puppies and Marie Claire. Still,who would have thought Bata would ever go designer. The year 2011 seems to have changed that,as resort wear specialist designer Malini Ramani has now collaborated with the brand to introduce a set of colourful Kolhapuri wedged heels. In glazed,shiny pinks,gold and black,the heels are reasonably ranged — uptil Rs 1,999 — and are available at Bata stores across Delhi,Mumbai and Pune.

Even though Bata has hooked up with a popular Indian designer,the heels are not the most smashing designs you will see in the footwear retail market. Bringing a designer on board is a smart business plan and keeping a decent price range also works in Bata’s favour,but with a Malini Ramani tag,we expected funkier,trendier stuff.

“This collaboration was absolutely unplanned. By being part of this,I can appeal to more people. The next collection is all about animal prints and should be out in February,” says Ramani. We are keeping our feet crossed.