House of Vitti is where Indian craft meets contemporary footwear
House of Vitti India celebrates the richness of Indian craftsmanship through beautifully handcrafted footwear made by skilled local artisans, blending age-old embroidery techniques with modern design sensibilities.
In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Founder Charru Sharrma discusses building a brand rooted in Indian craftsmanship while bringing a fresh, design-driven, and comfort-focused approach to modern footwear. She highlights evolving consumer preferences, the rise of conscious materials like vegan leather, and a future shaped by maximalism, transparency, and pride in handmade craft.
What inspired the creation of House of Vitti?
I always knew I wanted to work in a creative space, and my love for Indian craftsmanship has been constant from the very beginning. Footwear felt like a natural starting point because my father has been in the footwear manufacturing business for years. I wanted to carry that legacy forward, but with a fresh, artistic, and design-driven perspective.
That’s how House of Vitti India was born. Vitti means ‘skilful’ in its purest sense, and the brand is truly rooted in skill, creativity, and emotion.
How does House of Vitti India ensure quality in its handmade footwear?
Quality for us isn’t a step; it is the foundation. We work closely with artisans, choose every material mindfully, and carry out multiple checks through both sampling and production. Every stitch, bead, and finish is examined with the same attention I would give if I were crafting it myself. When a pair leaves our studio, it should feel worthy of someone’s special moment.
How do you ensure consistency in fit, construction, and finish across different product categories?
We follow our own patterns, base structures, and methods that we have developed over time. Every new product starts with the same checkpoints trial, comfort, durability, and finish. Even though the styles vary, the discipline behind them stays constant.
What makes House of Vitti distinct within India’s contemporary fashion and luxury footwear space?
We stand out because we stay rooted in our culture without losing the modern woman’s pace. Our designs feel Indian at heart but contemporary in expression.
Every pair has warmth, detail, and a very strong handmade soul, something you can’t replicate in mass production.
Also, comfort is a big part of our identity. Luxury for us means beauty and ease.
Which customer insights have influenced your product development the most?
Women want footwear that looks festive or statement-making but still feels soft, light, and wearable for long hours. That single insight has shaped everything from the base, padding, and cuts to the embroidery weight.
Another big learning is that women love pieces that can transition from Indian to western outfits. That balance guides a lot of our designs.
Are there any lifestyle or cultural shifts influencing product development?
Yes, today’s customer loves versatility. They want a pair that can move from a brunch to a festive gathering, or from denim to a lehenga without ever looking out of place. This shift toward multi-use, thoughtful fashion strongly influences how we design.
What inspired your brand to use vegan leather in your footwear collections?
I wanted something that supported both quality and conscious choices. Vegan leather gives us flexibility, a clean finish, and allows us to support customers who prefer cruelty-free options. It aligns with the values we want to stand for as a brand.
How do you incorporate vegan leather in your designer mules for women while ensuring style and comfort?
We always start with the base because comfort must come first. Once that is perfected, we design the upper to allow space for embroidery, beadwork, pearls, and the textured detailing that defines our aesthetic. Vegan leather holds these elements beautifully while still feeling soft on the foot. That’s how we maintain the balance between style, craftsmanship, and comfort.
What challenges do you face when designing with vegan leather, and how do you overcome them?
Some vegan leather options can crease easily or feel stiff. We overcome this by sampling extensively and rejecting anything that doesn’t age well or doesn’t feel good on the skin. Testing and lots of patience helps us reach the right pick every time.
Are there any innovations in vegan leather you are excited to explore?
Yes. There are newer, smoother, and more breathable variations emerging that look very promising. I am excited to explore materials that feel even closer to natural textures while being lighter and more durable.
What are your upcoming priorities for scaling House of Vitti in India and internationally?
Our next step is to open a physical store and strengthen our online presence. We want people to experience the warmth and detailing of our footwear in person. Internationally, the aim is to expand gradually through collaborations, curated drops, and platforms that value handmade Indian craftsmanship.
How do you see consumer expectations around craftsmanship and sustainability shaping the future of Indian fashion?
People are becoming more aware and prouder of Indian craft. They want transparency, quality, and pieces that truly last. Handmade work, responsible materials, and slower, more thoughtful production are now becoming an important part of the new definition of luxury in India.
What emerging design or production trends will influence contemporary footwear in the next few years?
I believe the future lies in maximalism. India has always been a maximalist culture: our festivals, weddings, colours, and rituals are all celebrated with scale, emotion, and grandeur. Today, people are embracing that identity more confidently. I see this translating into footwear through expressive embroidery, richer textures, and bolder, statement-making design choices in the years ahead.
