Çaplait

Black Sheep

@caplaitshoes

Location

bradford / United Kingdom

University

University of Bradford

Graduation year

2007

Main Manufacturing Countries

pakistan
italy

The Peshawari chappal is a traditional shoe which hails from Peshawar region of Pakistan. Hardwearing and inherently comfortable - 'chappal' being the local word for sandals – Pakistani men have long considered the shoe a stalwart, pairing it with traditional attire for generations. The chappal is identified by the signature tongue, squared toes, flat soles, cross-over straps and buckle fastening. Worn both formally and casually, the shoe's versatility, coupled with the rich heritage, plays into the western fashion industry's enchantment with cultures beyond their own shores.

Answering the need for authenticity within the fashion landscape and with a focus on drawing a firm line between the shoe and its origins, founder Usman Manzoor launched Çaplait. With the help of an esteemed, internationally renowned design team, Usman sought to bring the style to life for a wider audience without losing touch with the driving cultural foundations. Acknowledging that it is traditionally a man's shoe, the team worked together to translate their sandals over to a womenswear perspective; employing embroidery, texture and colour contrasts to provide fresh, unique appeal.

Çaplait is firmly rooted in Pakistan, drawing upon the talents of local artisans in order to create each pair of sandals. In fact, the brand respects and repays its heritage at every turn, right down to the name (pronounced ‘Saplay’) which nods to the handle given to the shoes by locals. And the considerately built production model reveals a practical, active commitment to the area, from preserving a craft which has been passed between generations, to providing fair pay and ethical working conditions for the artisans around whom the brand is built.

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