Ketan Chappal

Kolhapuri chappals have a distinctive place in Indian footwear, recognised for their traditional craftsmanship and timeless appeal. For Ketan, the challenge was to refresh its existing brand identity while preserving the heritage and character that define its products.

The brand needed a more refined and contemporary visual presence that could appeal to different generations and position its footwear beyond traditional occasions. The challenge was to establish a fresh perspective without losing the familiarity of its roots, creating an identity that feels authentic, recognisable and relevant to the evolving style of modern men.

Our approach to rebranding Ketan was built around one central idea: honour the heritage, redefine the expression.

Rather than moving away from the brand’s traditional character, we focused on presenting it through a more contemporary and refined visual language. Drawing inspiration from the richness of leather, the artistry of Kolhapuri footwear and the warmth of heritage aesthetics, we developed an identity that balances timeless influences with modern simplicity.

The refreshed brand language brings together distinctive typography, an earthy colour palette and thoughtful visual storytelling to create a consistent and sophisticated presence. The tagline, “A Sole for Your Soul,” adds a personal dimension, connecting the footwear with individual style and self-expression.

Every element was considered to give Ketan a renewed identity that feels familiar in its roots yet fresh in its presentation.

We began by understanding Ketan’s existing identity, its connection to Kolhapuri craftsmanship and the direction in which the brand wanted to evolve. The objective was to identify the elements worth carrying forward while creating a more cohesive and contemporary visual experience.

This understanding guided the rebranding process, from refining the brand’s visual direction to developing a distinctive wordmark, considered typography and a warm, heritage-inspired colour palette.

The renewed identity was then extended across brand communication and social media through product-focused compositions, craftsmanship-inspired details and contemporary lifestyle imagery. Each visual was designed to highlight a different dimension of Ketan, from the intricate character of its footwear to its versatility across traditional and everyday styling.

Together, these elements established a unified design language that brings consistency to the brand while allowing its products and craftsmanship to remain at the centre of the story.

The rebranding gave Ketan a refreshed identity that brings its traditional roots into a more contemporary and distinctive visual space.

The refined wordmark, earthy colour palette and cohesive communication language work together to establish a recognisable brand presence. Heritage-inspired visuals celebrate the character of Kolhapuri craftsmanship, while modern styling and product-led storytelling introduce the footwear to a wider range of everyday looks and occasions.

Ketan’s renewed identity reflects a thoughtful balance between what the brand has always represented and how it wishes to be seen today. The result is a brand expression that feels timeless yet relevant, traditional yet contemporary, and distinctive without losing its simplicity.

A familiar heritage, reimagined for a new generation.

Ketan — A Sole for Your Soul.