Let’s be honest: shoes are no longer an afterthought. They’re the punctuation mark on every outfit, a non-negotiable declaration of who we are. And when it comes to crafting footwear that blends style, comfort, and innovation, Bata has been the silent architect of our shoe closets for decades. Now, as the brand evolves to meet the demands of a trend-savvy, comfort-craving modern India, the question remains: What does it take to make a hundred-year-old brand relevant today? In a candid chat, Ankur Rastogi, Head of Collection at Bata India, spills the beans.

Ankur Rastogi, Head of Collection at Bata India

With the rising focus on lifestyle and individuality, how do you see footwear trends shaping the modern Indian consumer's choices?

Footwear has become THE accessory that defines an individual’s style statement. Unlike apparel, which you keep changing, footwear is more frequently worn and repeated, which has naturally led to consumers placing greater emphasis on their shoe choices as a means of self-expression. Modern Indian consumers are increasingly drawn to limited-edition and collaborative collections, with customisation options becoming increasingly popular.  

Bata has collaborated with designers like Suneet Varma in the past. What’s your take on blending high fashion with everyday footwear?  

Fashion should be accessible to everyone—this is a core belief that drives our collaborations at Bata. Our partnership with Suneet Varma, and the recent collaborations with Amit Aggarwal at India Couture Week, Aarti Vijay Gupta at London Fashion Week and Chhaya Mehrotra are perfect examples of how we can elevate our fashion credentials while staying true to our mission of democratising fashion.

Bata is currently in an exciting phase of transformation, redefining how footwear complements modern lifestyles. And yes, you can certainly expect more collaborations in the future, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative designs that not only surprise but also resonate with our customers’ evolving tastes.

Bata at London Fashion Week in collaboration with Designer Aarti Vijay Gupta

Footwear has become a defining statement in pop culture, from sneakers in hip-hop to boots in counterculture. How does Bata respond to these global influences?

As a global company, we have the unique advantage of being at the forefront of emerging trends and cultural movements. Through our fashion-forward brands like Red Label and our sneaker-centric labels Power and North Star, we have created the perfect platform to incorporate these global influences. In fact, approximately 35 per cent of our range is dedicated to experimental designs that we refresh quarterly to align with global trends. This approach allows us to stay current while ensuring our collections remain accessible and relevant to our diverse customer base. What makes our approach unique is how we balance contemporary trends with the trusted quality that Bata is known for—it's all about striking that perfect balance!

If you had to pick a single pair of Bata shoes that encapsulate modern India, what would it be and why?

I think Floatz is definitely that product which fits into the current modern India needs across age groups and genders. As our fastest-growing category, Floatz represents everything modern India values—style without compromising on comfort, functionality without sacrificing design, and quality without the premium price tag.

Designing for a diverse country like India must be challenging. Can you share the behind-the-scenes story of how a collection comes together?

India is like many countries in one, and designing for such a diverse audience is both a challenge and an opportunity. It all starts with understanding the consumer. Through detailed consumer studies and focused group interactions, we understand what different segments of Indian consumers want and need. We stay ahead of global trends through WGSN forecasts, fashion runway analysis and with insights from our design centre in Italy, while carefully benchmarking competition across product offerings and price points.  

Once we’ve gathered all these insights, the creative team gets to work, curating collections that align with our consumers’ aspirations along with business goals. Past performance analysis of products—what worked and what didn’t—plays a crucial role in fine-tuning the designs. To ensure everything is cohesive, we weave the collection into theme-based storytelling that resonates with our brand ethos, tying it all together with seasonal highlights across store tiers, price points, and categories.

What’s the one cultural or lifestyle shift you’re most excited about, and how do you see Bata playing a role in it?

One of the most exciting lifestyle shifts we’re witnessing is casualisation. As work-life dynamics evolve and comfort becomes central to daily wardrobes, casual footwear is gaining more prominence. Catering to this trend, we have just launched 'The Celebration Collection', a range designed for moments that truly matter. Featuring styles like leather loafers, open flats, peshawaris and lace ups for men and ombre crystal-strapped heels, golden sneakers, metallic heels, mules and flats for women, the collection is perfect for modern wedding guests.

If you could design a dream collection for Bata, inspired by any era or culture, what would it look like?

As a true footwear enthusiast, my dream collection for Bata would be the Traveller’s Collection, inspired by the dynamic and ever-evolving travel culture of the 21st century. This collection would be a tribute to modern explorers, blending versatility, innovative materials, and tech-driven features to cater to the diverse needs of modern travellers. The idea is to craft footwear that seamlessly adapts to different journeys—be it a formal business trip, a day of sightseeing, or leisurely exploration.

And speaking of dream collections, something truly exciting is in the works. Stay tuned—it’s going to be worth the wait!

What do you want the next generation to associate with Bata—a sense of nostalgia, modernity, or something entirely new?

While we cherish our rich heritage, we envision Bata's future as a thoroughly modern, dynamic brand that resonates across generations. Our goal is clear—we want the next generation to see Bata as a contemporary brand that consistently delivers on both style and innovation.

Have you noticed any interesting shifts in how people view and buy shoes—say, how younger generations differ from their parents in style or priorities?

The younger generation is definitely more impulsive in their choices, but they’re not rash—they do their homework and compare options. This makes it even more important for us to offer value-added, trendy products that speak to their sense of style while still delivering on quality and comfort at accessible prices.  

If you had to describe Bata in three words today to the Gen-Z audience, what would they be?

Reach, reliable, relevant. ‘Reach’ because we are available widely through our extensive omnichannel network; ‘reliable’ because of we promise quality, durability, and price; and  ‘relevant’ as we make global trends accessible to all.  

Lastly, what’s one thing about Bata that you think people don’t realise but should?

What many people don't realise is that Bata is actually a global organisation with its roots in the Czech Republic, though we're often perceived as an Indian brand. This misconception itself speaks volumes about how deeply we've integrated into the Indian ecosystem over decades, and we take pride in being as local as we are global.