⁠Turning Cobblers into Designers: The 'Desi Hangover' Story of Sole and Soul

Celebrating Indian artisanship through handcrafted leather shoes, Desi Hangover is a medium through which the livelihoods of many traditional cobblers thrive. Each pair reflects a blend of heritage techniques and modern comfort, carefully designed to balance the needs of both people and the planet. With every step, Sole and Soul tells a story, one that is rooted in culture, elevated by design, and made to travel far. 

From Cairo to Kolhapur

The idea for Desi Hangover was sparked far from home, during an international internship in Cairo, where two Indian students, Hitesh Kenjale and Lakshya Arora, found their handmade Kolhapuri chappals unexpectedly turning heads. What started as casual compliments from curious onlookers soon planted a more profound thought: why was this traditional Indian craftsmanship not getting the global attention it deserved?

Back in India, they joined forces with Hitesh's former professor, Abha Agrawal, and set out to explore the roots of leatherwork in rural Maharashtra. What they discovered was not just skilled artisans, but entire communities rich in heritage yet lacking recognition and sustainable income. Desi Hangover, and eventually the ‘Sole and Soul’ collection, emerged as a response: a brand built to give traditional cobblers the platform, respect, and opportunity to become designers in their own right.

The Edge and Obstacles of Sole and Soul

For a collection like Sole and Soul, blending tradition with modern commerce is both its strength and its biggest challenge. Relying on artisanal methods means production takes time, making it harder to match the speed and scale of mass-market fashion. Working with rural communities also brings logistical hurdles, fluctuating access to materials, inconsistent infrastructure, and the ongoing task of building long-term trust with artisans. Moreover, convincing urban consumers to invest in handmade, ethically produced footwear for men and women, often at a higher price point, is an uphill battle in a fast–fashion–dominated landscape.

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Sole and Soul’s Signature Styles: Tradition with a Twist

Sole and Soul offers a range of handcrafted leather footwear that blends heritage with everyday wearability. For men, their bestselling options include the Daily, a laid-back slip-on perfect for casual use, made from soft, breathable leather and designed with extra padding for long hours of comfort. The Tycoon, on the other hand, leans more formal, featuring clean lines and a polished finish that works equally well with trousers or denims.

Among the notable options for women are Hola, a flat crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, offered in bold hues such as red and pink. It is designed for everyday use and pairs well with both traditional and Indo-Western outfits for girls. Another key design, the Belle, introduces a refined silhouette while maintaining durability and comfort, suited for various occasions.

Footwear with Purpose

Sole and Soul is more than a label; it is a movement rooted in dignity, craft, and conscious design. By empowering traditional cobblers to take on the role of designers, the brand creates footwear that is not only handmade but also heart-made. In an era dominated by fast fashion, it carves its path with authenticity and intention. Each pair reflects a story of skill, resilience, and heritage, demonstrating that fashion can be both ethical and rooted in culture, while still being effortlessly stylish.