Swati Mehrotra: Crafting a distinctive corpus of bespoke, handcrafted, and ethically sourced shoes.
We live in a world that finds comfort in following the norms, but Swati Mehrotra is an entrepreneur who dares to challenge the status quo. Swati is passionate about footwear design and committed to sustainability. She founded her footwear brand, Swatimodo, in 2008, modernizing the Indian footwear industry with her bespoke, handmade creations in a sustainable way.
Her journey began with a simple yet bold vision: to promote traditional Indian craftsmanship while catering to the unique needs of individuals, including those with foot problems, with a focus on comfort without compromising on style. She ventured into the market with custom-made footwear and promoting sustainability and community service which earned her global recognition, numerous awards, and a reputation as a humanitarian entrepreneur. At the heart of Swatimodo is a commitment to mother nature, Swati uses biodegradable materials, such as white line leather, to create shoes that not only reduce carbon footprint but also cater to individuals prone to foot allergies and calluses. Her designs also extend to special shoes for women during pregnancy, ensuring comfort and support throughout this critical period.
Swati also established a shoe-making academy in Tihar Jail, empowering inmates with a valuable skill and promoting social acceptance. Her humanitarian work also includes supporting acid attack survivors, advocating for gender equality, giving fair job opportunities to men and women, and creating comfortable shoes for children with polio.
Swati for her tireless efforts and this broad vision received the President of India Award for her entrepreneurial skills and contribution to society, as well as the DadaSaheb Falke Award.
MOSAIC welcomed Swati on its round-table conversation ‘HER GREEN LEGACY’ along with other sustainability thought leaders, at the women-only roundtable we got to know Swati on a deeper level and her passion for sustainability, which she practices at home too and instilled in her two twins. MOSAIC is pleased to bring the journey of this green pioneer who actions innovation, community wellbeing and environmental impact in her professional and personal life.
In conversation with Swati Mehrotra
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of fashion, footwear is not just a necessity; it’s a statement. Swati Mehrotra, founder of Swati Modo, has taken this philosophy to the next level by merging craftsmanship, sustainability, and bespoke designs. In this exclusive interview, MOSAIC explores Swati’s journey, her brand’s unique approach, and the future of sustainable footwear.
Founding Swati Modo
Swati Modo was established in 2010 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and now operates from Noida. It started as a passion project and has now grown into a brand that serves a global market, catering to those who appreciate fashion that is both modern and tailor-made.
“Our target audience is anyone who believes in fashion, in trends, and in designs that align with today’s world while maintaining a sustainable approach,” Swati explains. “Every foot is a unique canvas for Swati Modo.”
Sustainability is not just a tag for the brand—it’s a comprehensive process-centered philosophy. Swati Modo integrates multiple aspects of sustainability, from eco-friendly materials and ethical labour practices to reviving lost craftsmanship. “We are not just making shoes; we are preserving the legacy of handcrafted footwear, which factory-made has largely destroyed,” she adds.
Craftsmanship and Ethical Production
What we see online and in physical retail stores is mass-produced footwear, made in a factory compromising on quality and the materials used and sourced from. Swati Modo’s production unit does not rely on heavy machinery or large churn-outs. Instead, it embraces traditional tools and techniques, keeping the art of handmade shoes alive – reinforcing in our customers the value of hand-made which is luxury indeed. “The unit consists of tailoring machines and old-school mechanisms of shoemaking,” Swati says. “Leather, in itself, is a naturally eco-friendly material. Historically, our ancestors used animal skins for footwear, a practice which is rooted in tradition.” However, Swati Modo takes a more ethical approach
ensuring that no animals are bred or slaughtered solely for their skin. “Our partner tanneries have a low production capacity, but their ethics are uncompromised. They do not engage in slaughtering or breeding animals for leather. This aligns with our belief system,” she states.
At the same time, Swati Modo is not strictly a vegan brand due to its bespoke nature. “Since we create customized footwear, we cater to customer preferences. But we have explored and used innovative leather and other sustainable materials,” she clarifies.
Brand Innovations
Swati Modo is continuously experimenting with alternative materials compared to traditional leather. The brand has developed biodegradable leather, which significantly reduces water consumption in the tanning process and eliminates harmful chemicals. “We avoid both vegetable-dyed and chrome-tanned leather,” Swati explains. “Instead, we use an innovative material called wet white leather, which retains the softness of traditional leather without toxic chemicals.” Beyond leather, the brand is keen and enthusiastic about vegan alternatives like cactus leather, fruit pulp leather, and plant-based materials. Swati believes these innovations hold promise for the future of footwear and this is important for manufacturers to promote.
“I’m not a fan of PU (polyurethane) leather because it’s synthetic and harms the environment. But fruit-based and cactus leathers replicate the look and feel of real leather without the environmental cost,” she notes. Fabric-based footwear is also gaining traction. The brand incorporates cotton blends with minimal polyester to ensure durability. “If the thickness is right, fabric-based shoes can be as strong and stylish as leather ones,” she says.
The Personal Touch of Bespoke
At Swati Modo, every shoe is a story waiting to be told, the brand’s philosophy centres around designing footwear that reflects the personality, style, and narrative of its wearer. “The shoe needs to tell your story. Each piece of footwear should reflect your identity,” Swati says. “Even when we work on movies, the character’s persona shapes the design.”
Comfort is paramount, followed by aesthetics. “Your feet are the foundation of your body, and footwear should first provide comfort, then style,” she explains. Swati Modo draws inspiration from Indian culture, nature, and traditional crafts; the brand’s wedding sneakers are a perfect example, featuring Indian embroidery and indigenous textile techniques. “Our mood board is deeply rooted in India’s heritage, followed by elements from nature,” Swati shares. “When I design a collection, it’s often inspired by something organic, fluid, and inherently Indian.”
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It is reassuring to know the footwear industry is shifting towards sustainability, (as per Future Market Insights), the industry is driven by growing consumer demand and innovative technologies. The global sustainable footwear market is expected to reach USD 18,247.9 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%. Brands are developing eco-friendly materials like biodegradable plastics, mushroom leather, and algae-based foams, such as Adidas, Nike, and Reebok investing in eco-friendly materials and reducing waste. India is emerging as a key market we can see policies and support by the government promoting eco-consciousness amongst consumers and producers. As consumers increasingly demand sustainable products, the footwear industry is not left behind it is actively adapting and innovating, embracing circular economy practices, digital transformation, and sustainable supply chains. This shift towards sustainability is expected to drive growth and change in the industry.
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Trends and the Future of Sustainable Footwear
Swati keeps a close eye on industry trends, one of her favourite concepts is modular footwear, where shoes have interchangeable parts—such as removable heels or adjustable uppers. “This concept reduces waste by allowing customers to modify one pair instead of buying multiple pairs. It’s a game-changer for sustainability,” she says. She also admires young brands that blend technology with sustainability, creating smart, eco-conscious footwear. “The new generation understands sustainability better and is adding real value to the industry,” she observes.
Swati Modo has been fortunate to collaborate with some of India’s most renowned designers, including Ashima Leena, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, and Shantanu & Nikhil. “Collaboration fuels our creativity,” Swati says. “It allows us to explore diverse aesthetics while staying true to our ethos.” From runways to films, the brand has made its mark. One of the trends Swati finds fascinating is the heel-less heel, which she describes as “a bold and avant-garde design.” She also appreciates sharp, edgy silhouettes seen on fashion ramps.
Brand Focus on Future
The brand extends its influence beyond fashion through gender equality campaigns and experiential projects. The brand has hosted footwear workshops where people learn about shoemaking—from selecting materials to final production. “We plan to expand these experiential events, helping consumers understand the craftsmanship behind their shoes,” Swati shares.
However, the brand remains committed to bespoke, small-scale production, rather than entering the mass retail market. “Swati Modo is a personalized brand, and I want to keep it that way,” Swati asserts. Expansion, however, is on the horizon. The brand is increasing its global reach through footwear parties, where clients receive customized fittings in different cities. “We are hosting more one-on-one interactions and bespoke events worldwide. This is what Swati Modo stands for. The Middle East has been welcoming to us, and so has Singapore and next, we’re targeting the USA, as it values customized experiences.”