Debanti Roy has always understood the power of a statement. Before she founded Ugra Shoes, she had built her career as a journalist and played a key role in launching direct-to-consumer brands at Flipkart, Arvind Lifestyle Brands, and more. But she wanted to do more. The brands she worked with often played it safe by catering to the masses, while she craved something unapologetically fierce and unique - something that spoke to the bold, unconventional, and fiercely feminine.  

So in 2024, the spark blazed into Ugra, a footwear brand that reclaims the idea of being ‘too much.’ The name itself is inspired by the Bengali word ugro, often used to describe someone who is aggressive or intense. Debanti took what was a ‘critique’ and turned it into a badge of honour, to create a line of handcrafted leather high heels for those who refuse to tone themselves down.  

While the attitude behind Ugra is modern, the craftsmanship is deeply traditional. Each pair is the result of numerous steps, taking four to five days to complete. The leather- full-grain and imported from Argentina - is hand-cut and sculpted into the Ugra signature silhouettes by skilled artisans. This dedication to quality ensures that every shoe from Ugra classic mules to its gladiator heels, doesn’t just look great but gets finer and moulds to the wearer over time, the mark of a great leather product.

The label's signature designs reflect the brand’s ethos: fierce, commanding, and effortlessly chic. The Becky gladiator heels, the first design Debanti ever sketched, remain a bestseller, while the Rachna mules channel the regal air of Indian royalty. The Amrita boots, adorned with oversized bows, inspires a sense of playfulness and drama. 

All this being said, for Debanti Ugra isn’t just about shoes; it’s about fostering a community that celebrates the brand values of fierceness and boldness in every form. This is what inspired her to start The Ugra Collective - an exclusive gathering curated by Debanti herself. Held in different cities over high tea and cocktails, these invite-only events bring together individuals who embody Ugra’s spirit. The society is about conversation, connection, and celebrating the audacity of being yourself. The inception of this society is a great way to go the extra mile for Ugra; to do more than make luxury heels that are made in India, but also invite people into a world where standing tall, literally and metaphorically, is the norm.  

Follow Ugra Shoes here.  

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