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After dresses, hats, carpets and jewels, it’s time to talk to you about shoes. We introduce you to the peshawari chappal, the most popular shoes from all over the Pashtun world
Peshawari chappal, Pashtun sandals
Worn mainly by the Pashtuns of the Khyber Pakhtunkwa region, the chappal peshawari were born in the city of Peshawar from which they take their name. Over time, thanks to their comfort and their very low cost, they have replaced flip-flops and sandals, which are increasingly rare in these lands. This has meant that, in recent times, it has become an almost permanent accompaniment to the hugely popular shalwar kameez, turning into one of the symbols of the Pashtun people.
The shoe itself consists of two strips of leather that intertwine with the sole, generally made of rubber. There is also a rear opening in order to fully adapt the shoe to the foot. According to the various places it acquires different colors and textures, making it a must for every young Pashtun.
Famous shoes
Thanks to the huge sales, it has begun to attract more and more personalities, both local and not. A very special case concerned, for example, the British designer Paul Smith. The latter produced a model almost identical to the peshawari chappal, without, however, citing it as a source of inspiration. From this a huge collection of signatures was generated which will then lead to the right recognition.
Another famous lover of this model is Imran Khan, Pakistani premier of Pashtun ethnicity. Just in 2015, the year of his second marriage, he was given a legendary copy by the master shoemaker Haji Noorudine Shinwari. Particularly in love with that model, his wife demanded an ad hoc version, also made by the famous master. This pushed more and more women to wear them with pleasure, no longer fearing to do something “for men only”.
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