The Humble Paduka Gets A Mythological Maximalist Makeover In Two Até’s Latest Drop

Padukas, also known as khadau, are an ancient form of Indian footwear made with a simple wooden or metal sole and a raised peg that fits between the big and second toes, which the wearer grips while walking. Their elevated design kept the feet above hot, wet or uneven ground, while also fitting into ideas of ahimsa, or non-violence, by reducing contact with the earth and the chance of stepping on insects or small plants. Traditionally associated with ascetics, sages and religious practitioners, the absence of leather also suited a life centred on simplicity and renunciation. Over time, padukas took on a deeper religious meaning: because the feet of gods, saints and gurus could be revered, their sandals or footprints could come to represent their presence, which is why padukas also became objects of worship and symbols of devotion and authority.

In a contemporary reimagining of the sandal, Two Até brings the traditional Paduka into the world of statement footwear, keeping its open-foot silhouette and wooden base while giving the design a more metallic embellishment. The latest version is handcrafted with intricate embroidery, rhinestone detailing and small gold-toned bells, with an ankle strap and zip fastening added to make the otherwise minimal design more secure and wearable. Two Até describes the drop as a return to the traditional form with its own attitude, positioning the Paduka as a piece that carries its Indian roots into a more fashion-forward setting.

As a brand, Two Até draws on the Greek goddess Até, the daughter of Zeus known for her mischief, chaos and divine drama. The brand creates bold, embellished shoes for women who enjoy dressing with confidence and a little bit of attitude, with footwear forming the starting point for how its founder imagines an outfit. Its designs bring together dramatic details, comfort, and a love for statement-making heels, while its collections are designed for the idea of women embracing their wild, daring, and unapologetically fabulous sides. The brand also places sustainability at the centre of its approach, using eco-friendly materials and responsible production practices.

For their editorial the brand draws from Indian devotional imagery through the use of deep blue and black skin, draped fabrics, and intricate jewellery. The painted bodies, with some of the fine, flowing patterns resemble mehendi, an Indian form of temporary body decoration that has long been used on the hands and feet, while the denser geometric markings also bring to mind African traditions of body painting and scarification. Among the Mursi and Surma communities of Ethiopia, for instance, bodies are decorated with elaborate painted patterns, while geometric body markings have also been seen across communities in Congo and elsewhere in Africa. There are also hints of the bold geometric language associated with Ndebele art, especially in the black-and-white patterns and heavily decorated bodies, although these references are better understood as visual references than direct representations of any one culture. The imagery calls upon an otherwordly sight of mythic figures juxtaposed with editorial photography giving the humble Paduka a rebirth for a more dramatic, maximalist, and contemporary world.

Follow Two Ate here and get the Paduka here.

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