Ugra means fierce in Sanskrit and that’s what we’ve always been.
We began in 2024 as a made-to-order shoe brand, built by artisans in India. But from the very beginning, our work was never just about shoes. It was about the stories about craft, culture, identity, and design.
Over time, we realised that what truly drives us is not production, but storytelling. The stories that shape who we are, what we wear, and how we live. Stories of labour and luxury, of taste and survival, of belonging and becoming.
Today, Ugra is evolving, from a label that made things, to a space that observes, listens, and documents.
We write about the business of fashion, the culture of making, and the small details that define Indian design today.
Founded by journalist and storyteller Debanti Roy, Ugra began as a handcrafted-leather shoe label built on narrative, identity and craft. On the ground, artisan-shoemaker Bhaskar brought decades of mastery, material knowledge and discipline. Together, they created shoes and bags that are sculptural, strong, and made to be felt.
OUR CORE BELIEF
We’re not here to feed overconsumption. The fashion industry already does enough of that.We’re here to make fewer things, and make them well. Every Ugra product respects craft, heritage, and the people behind it.
To call something “luxury,” we believe it must:
1. Be repairable: Every Ugra piece is made to last, and made to be fixed. By us, or someone you trust.
2. Be slow-made: One pair at a time. Carefully, intentionally, only when it’s asked for.
3. Use Highest Quality Material: We use premium leather and top-quality hardware. Everything is chosen for comfort, and longevity.
All Ugra items are made by master artisans in India. By working directly with local shoemakers, we avoid mass production and stockpiles. Every order supports employment, preserves traditional craftsmanship, and ensures every item carries the mark of human excellence.
