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16 February 2022

Founded by Shibani Bhagat, 7-10 a new Indian sneaker brand wants to tap into the growing sneaker culture in the country

16 February 2022

Founded by Shibani Bhagat, 7-10 a new Indian sneaker brand wants to tap into the growing sneaker culture in the country

A versatile entrepreneur, Shibani Bhagat who has found her feet in the growing Indian sneaker market with her venture 7-10 shares her views on India’s sneaker culture and footwear industry.

There is a rising global sneaker culture. The existing and newer brands such as VegNonVeg and Superkicks boutiques are giving us clear indicators of growing interest in this niche segment for a few years now. According to the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, the footwear market is predicted to be worth $15.5 billion by 2024.

And adding to this sneaker race is 7-10 (pronounced as seven-ten), a new homegrown sneaker brand. The label is aiming to shake up the industry with its fresh take on design, styling and affordability.

Founded on February 7, 2022 by Shibani Bhagat, who has a unique fashion-focused background, having spent some years launching and promoting homegrown brands in the fashion and e-commerce space. She previously founded Divaat, a fast fashion and e-commerce portal and co-founded Curto, a menswear multi-designer store.

Talking about her new brand, she says, I realised that while India continues to be the second-largest manufacturer of footwear in the world, it lacked a local brand that featured on the global sneaker market.

Her footwear label offers premium quality sneakers and are available in bold and fun designs. Their sneakers are priced in the range of ₹2,999 to ₹4,999.

Shibani Bhagat, founder of 7-10

Tell us a little about 7-10.

7-10 is a homegrown sneaker design house geared to combine high fashion, great quality, and affordability. The brand has been conceptualised to fill the growing need for a homegrown product that puts India on the map for the rapidly growing sneaker culture across the globe.

7-10 offers premium quality sneakers and are available in different colours

What is the process of making a pair of sneakers?

The process of making sneakers is extremely challenging and rewarding at the same time. It starts with me and my lead designer Saurav (a graduate from the National Institute of Design) brainstorming new ideas and the overall direction for the next collection. After many iterations and laying down several blueprints for each style, we proceed to multiple rounds of sampling to ascertain, which of our ideas are being brought to life as envisioned.

Tell us about the material being used?

We predominantly use various kinds of PU (Polyurethane), synthetic suede, air mesh, and translucent PVC for the sneakers.

White graphic high-top sneaker

Let’s talk about the launch collection, what’s in store?

The first 7-10 collection spans a variety of styles – from classic low tops to graphic high tops and designer chunkys. With its complex panelling, innovative material play, and unconventional design (like graphic elements) all curated into a high-quality product, we ensure that there is a perfect pair for every sneaker enthusiast.

Black holographic chunky sneaker

Apart from sneakers, what other products are available under the 7-10 brand?

We have also launched a collection of 7-10 unisex tees for our customers to style with our new sneakers.

Over the years, many new companies have entered the footwear market, how do you plan to excel in the industry?

While many footwear brands have sprouted over the last few years, the homegrown lifestyle sneaker market is still nascent. We believe we have a first-mover advantage in this space. The plan is to provide customers with uniquely designed products at affordable prices to stay ahead of the competition.