Indian heritage is rich. Launched by siblings Mehandee Meera Dureja and Karanveer Dureja in 2019 in Faridabad, Haryana, this footwear brand works to keep Indian traditional footwear heritage intact and celebrate it. They are going back in history to discover and revise the age-old craft of shoemaking, while giving local artisans the helping hand to keep the craft.
They are fashioning handmade footwear for men and women which range from mules, slip-ons and sneakers to high-tops. The co-founder Meera Dureja, in an interview with The Free Press Journal, speaks on the journey of Banjaaran Studio and more. Excerpts from the interview: How did Banjaaran Studio come up? My journey into shoe design and the inception of Banjaaran unfolded organically.
Without formal training in footwear design, my passion led me to immerse myself in the world of traditional artisans. I sought guidance from skilled craftsmen in local workshops and factories once I realised my aspiration to pursue this craft. Seven years ago, I wandered the lanes of old Delhi with a shoe sketch in hand, to find a leather worker who could transform my design into a tangible wearable product.
Little did I anticipate the profound experience that awaited me — witnessing my vision materialise in the practised hands of a 55-year-old shoe artisan. This encounter laid the cornerstone of Banjaaran Studio, marking a pivotal moment in my personal and professional creative journey. The name ‘Banjaaran’, translating to ‘noma.