Calcutta? fashionistas have the world at their
feet and at a price that is almost out of this world. Priced between Rs
100 and Rs 250, this unique range of trendy and chic footwear can tempt
even the brand-conscious buyer into switching loyalties.

A sudden boom that started about a year ago
in the city, brought with it everything from flat slip-ons to pointed
heels and sexy tie-ups for evening parties ?selling at half a dozen for
Rs 1,000. A walk through the alleys of Metro Plaza, Vardaan Market and
New Market (Old and New) is sure to throw up a mind-blowing range of options
in materials including cork, jute, denims and foam.

Interestingly, both the material and designs
are imported from Southeast Asia, but the shoes are manufactured in India,
which explains the low price points. ?e get design catalogues from abroad
and also import parts of the shoe like the heel or the foam. But it? put
together in factories in Calcutta and other cities,?says Shamim of Valentinee,
a store in Metro Plaza.

The other secret behind the dirt cheap price
tags is often excess production, and not necessarily poor quality of work
as one would readily presume. ?ost of these small shops have factories
that cater to bigger shops or branded outlets. They usually have surplus
of raw material or finished goods, which they sell at much lower prices,?shares
an industry insider.

Though the pieces don? come with warranty tags,
the throwaway prices give you the opportunity to replenish your stock
with the latest designs every now and then. Store-owners say that the
designs go out of style every two months and after that it? time to pick
up a new pair.

Goodlife takes a walk around the city
malls to check out the fare.

Slip-on
show

Comfortable and hardy, these pieces are made
from cork and/or jute and have thick straps to make both wearing and walking
comfortable. The colour of the base for the cork slippers are predominantly
brown, while the jute slippers come in bright hues of greens and pinks.
The colours of the straps range from muted shades of cream to classic
black and vibrant red. Fit for everyday wear, these can be picked up by
all age groups to team with any attire.

Price point: Rs 100 to Rs 150

Denim dream

oth as a material for footwear has caught on
big time, primarily due to the flexibility it offers to the designer in
terms of colours and patterns. Denim coupled with leather-look straps
and trimmings are best for those looking for a bit of funk.

Available in platform heels and flats, metal
buckles and bead embellishments give these pieces a fashionable edge.
A range of colourful bases in stripes and checks are also on sale. Though
they wear the look of cloth, these are actually a kind of foam that allows
the slippers to be washed and makes them suitable to be worn during the
rains.

Price point: Rs 190

Evening
elegance

This section offers maximum variety and styles.
Dalmatian prints on the base paired with transparent straps to electric
blue straps with sequin work and pointed heels ?the options are wide.
Be it the fit-for-weddings silver and golden coloured party shoe with
elaborate work on the straps, or sleek black high heels with a hint of
colourful sparkles glued to the almost non-existent strap, these are the
pop picks for slipper shoppers.

?hese look more expensive than they are and
one can actually pick up one to match each formal outfit,?feels Sristhi
Nevatia, a regular shopper for these shoes.