ThePeshawari chappal (Pashto:پېښوري څپلی,Urdu: پیشاوری چپل) is atraditional type offootwear ofPashtuns, worn especially byPashtuns in theKhyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The shoe takes its name from the city ofPeshawar,[1] where it originates. Whilechappal is the word forflip-flops orsandals in Urdu, locals in Peshawar call the PeshawariTsaplay (Pashto:څپلی ). The shoes are worn by men casually or formally, usually with theshalwar kameez. Because of their comfort, they are worn in place of sandals orslippers in Pakistan.
It is a semi-closed shoe which consists of two wide straps crossed and joined with the sole,[2] plus a heel strap with abuckle to tie according to the foot size and level of comfort. It is traditionally made with pureleather with its sole often made from atrucktyre. It is available in many traditional designs[3] and colours with various variations such as gold and silver embroidery, which give the shoe a more elegant look. Peshawari chappals have become increasingly popular[4] in other parts of Pakistan; even wearing them withjeans has become a fashion trend, especially among urban youth.[5] With increased availability through e-commerce websites, they are now appearing in new designs in many cities of Pakistan and Dubai.[6]
Peshawari chappals are made from soft leather which is sewn onto the rubber tire sole. The materials are cheap, easily available and very hard-wearing. Intricate designs are added to the leather upper before the shoe is put into a mold which stretches it to size.[7]
In March 2014, the Peshawari chappal became the Centre of a global fashion debate when SirPaul Smith made a similar shoe, which sold for £300.[8] This prompted complaints on social media that the design appropriated the culture and craft of its original Pakistan makers. Over a thousand petitioners usedChange.org to ask the designer and U.K. government for remedy. As a result, the shoe's description on the Paul Smith website was changed to read that it was "inspired by Peshawari Chappal".[9][10][11][12]
A new version of the chappal known as 'Kaptaan Chappal' became very popular after it was gifted toImran Khan in 2015.[13] In 2019 the creator of the chappal had to pay a Rs. 50,000 fine for making snakeskin chappals.[14]
Although traditionally worn by the men of the region, the shoe style has piqued the interest of Pakistani women. After Nooruddin Shinwari presented the pair to Imran Khan, Khan's then wifeReham Khan said she would like a pair for herself.[15] Many fashion brands in Pakistan, such as Mochari and Chapter 13, have started making Peshawai chappals for women.[16]
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