What Goes Behind Making A Timeless Shoe Brand

Bata's Ankur Rastogi unpacks the art and science behind footwear that connects generations

- By Niraj Kakade

Let's be honest: shoes are no longer an afterthought. They're the punctuation mark on every outfit, a non-negotiable declaration of who we are. And when it comes to crafting footwear that blends style, comfort, and innovation, Bata has been the silent architect of our shoe closets for decades. Now, as the brand evolves to meet the demands of a trend-savvy, comfort-craving modern India, the question remains: What does it take to make a hundred-year-old brand relevant today? In a candid chat, Ankur Rastogi, Head of Collection at Bata India, spills the beans.

With the rising focus on lifestyle and individuality, how do you see footwear trends shaping the modern Indian consumer's choices?

Footwear has become THE accessory that defines an individual’s style statement. Unlike apparel, which you keep changing, footwear is more frequently worn and repeated, which has naturally led to consumers placing greater emphasis on their shoe choices as a means of selfexpression. Modern Indian consumers are increasingly drawn to limited-edition and collaborative collections, with customisation options becoming increasingly popular.

Bata has collaborated with designers like Suneet Varma in the past. What’s your take on blending high fashion with everyday footwear?

Fashion should be accessible to everyone— this is a core belief that drives our collaborations at Bata. Our partnership with Suneet Varma, and the recent collaborations with Amit Aggarwal at India Couture Week, Aarti Vijay Gupta at London Fashion Week and Chhaya Mehrotra are perfect examples of how we can elevate our fashion credentials while staying true to our mission of democratising fashion.