Footwear brand The CAI Store has launched its first retail outlet in Mumbai at Phoenix Palladium that sports a cute and colourful look. We chat with Aradhna Minawala, co-founder at The CAI Store, on the launch and footwear trends.
Congratulations for the first store! What have been the learnings like?
As cliche as it may sound, hard work does pay off! We started our venture not thinking we will reach so far or even think of retail, and are very proud of how far we’ve come. Believe in your product, improve it and be confident of your core and USP. Slow and steady growth has been the key so that focus is maintained. Everything has its own time and it’s important to recognise that. Good things take time, so don’t be hasty but work towards your goals dedicatedly.
What new styles have you launched the store with?
We’ve launched a host of new shoes for our store. Craft and comfort sit at the heart of our new collection. Materials like raffia and jute offer a connection with nature while weaving and crocheting techniques give a more tactile feel to the footwear. We have introduced a new category of heels. Pointy closed-shoe heels after a lot of research and development to make sure it’s stable and strong. Extending to the appeal of comfort, we have introduced heels that are made with towel fabric. They are cosy and will instantly boost your mood.
Monsoon and footwear are not the best of friends. What are your top picks to brave the season, stylishly?
We are soon launching flats in pop colours to uplift the gloomy-day vibes!
How best to maintain your footwear during this time?
For footwear in general, try your best to keep them away from water. Always clean your shoes with a dry cloth and store them in a dust bag and keep away from moisture.
The CIA Store's first retail outlet in Mumbai's Phoenix Palladium
With so much time being spent at home in the last couple of years, have house slippers got a facelift?
Definitely! Gone are the days when house slippers were typically what they used to be. Comfort being the key always, there are multiple styles which you can lounge around your house in, which are stylish yet cute. Cushioned insoles provide the love your feet need. In the pandemic, we launched our comforter collection, which gave home slippers a fashionable uplift with fun colours and design and extreme cushioning for the comfort.
What are comfort buys from your label?
Marshmallow would be the best pick in terms of comfort. We launched it a while back and it still works very well for us.
Are there all-season favourites?
Yes! We have what we call our bestsellers:
l Two strap embellished
l Envelope bow
l Studded Slides
l Interlock Beige
l Black Chain
Tell us what to party in this season?
I would highly recommend going for our new Spiked heels in pink, blue and of course the basic black. One can also pick from the embellished ropes to give a glamorous look to the outfit.
If footwear had personalities, what would the following be?
Stilettos: The new girl in college strutting into the new world in confidence.
Boots: The sassy girl.
Sneakers: Your caring mother, always there to keep you comfortable.
Pumps: Girl next door.
What is your latest footwear buy?
I usually don’t need to go anywhere else to buy my footwear, having CAI with me. I am always wearing all the latest designs produced by us in various colours, which is always extremely fun. My latest favourite from the collection has to be the Blue Spiked Heels!
