F I R K E E

Everything Starts With Design.

We're a footwear design studio in Mumbai that also happens to run a factory. Not the other way around.

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We start where you start — with the trends. We follow the same global runways, the same street style, the same colour forecasts. When you send us a brief, we're already thinking in the same direction.

Our process is simple: trend research, concept development, material selection, prototyping. We do it all in-house, which means fewer delays, faster iterations, and a design team that actually understands manufacturing constraints — so you don't waste time on ideas that can't be built.

From Vision to Reality

01

Trend Research

WGSN, runway reports, street style, material fairs — we track it all season-round. By the time your brief arrives, we've usually spotted the same directions you have.

REAL PHOTO: Mood board with fabric swatches, colour chips, and trend tearsheets pinned to a cork board
Trend Intelligence
02

Concept Development

Your brief meets our research. We sketch options, explore directions, and narrow down. No fluff — just focused creative work that moves fast.

Creative Vision
03

Material Selection

200+ materials in our library. If we don't have it, we source it. Leather, textile, synthetic — whatever the design needs.

Material Library
04

Prototyping

Counter samples in 7–14 days. We make them in-house, so iterations are fast and you're not waiting on third parties.

Rapid Iteration
05

Testing & Refinement

Fit, finish, wearability. We test and refine until it's right. No cutting corners, no "good enough."

Quality Assured
06

Production-Ready

Approved sample becomes the production standard. Every pair matches. Your design intent carries all the way through to the shipping carton.

Locked & Ready

The Materials

Leather

Leather

Full grain, nappa, suede, patent, metallic. Indian and imported. India is the world's second-largest leather producer — we source directly from tanneries in Chennai, Kanpur, and Kolkata for the best quality at competitive prices.

Textiles

Textiles

Satin, canvas, denim, velvet, mesh, knit, jacquard. The texture options that give a design its character.

Embellishments

Embellishments

Hand beading, thread embroidery, sequins, laser cut, rhinestones, pearls. The details that make the difference.

Sustainable

Sustainable

PU leather, recycled PET, bio-based alternatives, water-based adhesives. When the brief calls for it, we have the options.

Hardware

Hardware

Buckles, studs, zips, eyelets, chains, D-rings. Custom finishes available. We match the hardware to the design language.

How We Collaborate

Every project starts differently. Some brands send detailed tech packs. Others send a photo and a phone call. We've built collections from both.

What You Send Us

  • A tech pack Full specs, BOMs, construction details — the works
  • A sketch on a napkin Hand-drawn, digital, or scribbled on a flight — we'll develop it
  • A photo from Instagram "Something like this, but in suede, with a block heel"
  • A mood board Pinterest boards, runway screenshots, competitor samples
  • Even just a verbal idea We've started collections from less. Seriously.

What You Get Back

  • Counter samples Production-quality samples in 7–14 days, not rough prototypes
  • Material alternatives you didn't know existed Options that hit the design intent at a better price — or push it further
  • Honest feedback What'll work at scale and what won't — before you commit
  • Fit & comfort input 30+ years of manufacturing experience applied to your design
  • Progress photos throughout Pattern, first sample, corrections, final approval — all documented

200+ Materials. Always Growing.

Leathers

Full grain, nappa, suede, patent, metallic, embossed, printed, vegetable-tanned. Indian and imported.

Textiles

Satin, canvas, denim, velvet, mesh, knit, jacquard, organza, lace. New weaves added every season.

Synthetics

PU leather, microfiber, TPU, recycled PET. When design or sustainability calls for it — no compromise on look or hand-feel.

Soles

TPR, PU, leather, EVA, rubber, cork, jute, espadrille, wood. Matched to silhouette and price point.

Hardware

Buckles, studs, zippers, eyelets, chains, D-rings, snaps. Custom finishes available — gold, silver, gunmetal, antique brass, matte black.

Embellishments

Hand beading, thread embroidery, sequins, laser cut, heat transfer, rhinestones, pearls, crystals. Done in-house by our artisan team.

We obsess over materials. Every season we add new options from Indian and international suppliers. Swatch books and physical samples available on request.

06

What We're Watching

Current trend directions we're developing for SS26 and AW26.

REAL PHOTO: Woven texture flat in earthy tones — trend board collage

Artisan Weaves

Hand-woven uppers in raffia and jute blends. Earthy ochre, sand, and terracotta palettes. Flat sandals and mules with raw-edge soles and unfinished textile detailing. Natural textures, imperfect beauty.

SS26
REAL PHOTO: Sculptural sole flat — architectural profile shot

Sculptural Soles

Architectural outsoles in matte black and tonal neutrals. Chunky EVA platforms, asymmetric wedges, and layered TPR stacks. The sole becomes the design element. Flat silhouettes with visual weight.

AW26
REAL PHOTO: Quilted ballet flat — buttery soft leather detail

Soft Volume

Pillow-effect uppers in buttery nappa and padded satin. Quilted ballet flats, gathered leather mules, puffy strap sandals. Deep burgundy, forest green, and cream. Comfort as aesthetic.

AW26

Where It All Happens

Our studio is in Lower Parel, Mumbai — right in the city's design district. It's where trend research, concept development, and material sourcing happen. The factory is 60km away in Vasai, close enough for daily coordination. Samples move between the two constantly.

Lower Parel Studio
In-House
Design Team
CAD Suite
Rhino • Illustrator • Pattern CAD
Trend
Library
Sample
Lab

Ready to See Design in Action?