Fizzy Goblet's Laksheeta Govil Steps Into Fresh Turf With Kareena Kapoor Khan. OG Juttis, Included.

There are accessories. And then there are those much-coveted accessories that get a knowing nod of approval the minute you see someone walking into a room with them. Fizzy Goblet's pretty juttis with their embellishments, threadwork and non-conforming hues, fall into the latter. Founder Laksheeta Govil has whipped up a contemporary vibe for what this footwear classic, pushing the envelope and loving every minute of it!

In her universe, neons go into a cool meltdown, metallics play elegant muse and florals pack all the right charm! No wonder then, that her shoes are like second skin to everyone from Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra to Kiara Advani, Janhvi Kapoor. And Kareena Kapoor Khan, who's shared a long-time association with the brand, now steps is as investor, deepening their partnership. Calling it an exciting new phase, Govil says, "It's my vision to make Fizzy Goblet the first globally-recognisable Indian footwear and accessories brand. Having Kareena on board as a strategic partner is the first major step on that journey. She is the ultimate embodiment of everything we stand for."

Manifest went had a sole to soul to chat with Laksheeta on how wedding celebrations have evolved, working with artisan communities and more.

Manifest (M): Laksheeta, your vision was to create a global brand that can represents modern India, how well does the brand embody this?

Laksheeta Govil (LG): From day one, my vision for Fizzy Goblet was to create a brand that felt unmistakably Indian, but was designed for a global audience. India has such an incredible craft legacy, and we've always wanted to celebrate it in a way that feels relevant today. We don't simply recreate traditional craftsmanship. We reinterpret it through contemporary silhouettes, fresh colour palettes and modern detailing, creating footwear that feels as relevant today as it is rooted in tradition. That's how we've always wanted to introduce Indian craftsmanship to a global audience.

(M): You began with hand painting your own footwear in college. From there to date as a globally recognised brand and celeb fave, take us through the journey.

(LG): It all started because I couldn't find footwear that reflected my personal style. I began hand painting shoes while I was in college, purely as a creative outlet, and the response was unexpected. That slowly turned into Fizzy Goblet. Over the years, we've expanded our product categories, opened stores and reached customers across the world, but the foundation has remained the same. We still approach every collection with the same curiosity and intention to create something that feels fresh, comfortable and beautifully crafted.

(M): Did you see an apt opportunity to refashion the humble pair of juttis, a wedding favourite?

(LG): Definitely. The jutti has always been an iconic part of Indian fashion, but it was often reserved for weddings and festive occasions. At Fizzy Goblet, we wanted to show how versatile the silhouette could be. Today, our collections range from embellished occasion juttis to contemporary styles like our denim juttis and everyday silhouettes, allowing customers to wear them from casual outings to celebrations.

(M): Do share more on the designs that have collaborations with couture labels. What is special about each?

(LG): Every collaboration starts with a shared design philosophy, with Rahul Mishra, the idea was to translate his intricate craftsmanship and nature inspired design language into footwear. With Payal Singhal, the aesthetic was younger, playful and contemporary. Every collaboration challenges us to look at footwear through a different creative lens while staying true to our own design philosophy.

(M): Today, you’ve dressed some of the most well-known names in society and Bollywood. What have they shared about it?

(LG): It's always exciting to see women with such distinct personal styles choose Fizzy Goblet. Whether it's Kareena, Kiara or Sonam, what I love most is that they wear our shoes in their own way. The feedback we've consistently received is that they appreciate the balance between design and comfort. That's something we've always prioritised because we believe beautiful footwear should also feel effortless to wear.

(M): We know about the Macchiato Kolha, which Kiara loves. What's another hot favourite?

(LG): The Macchiato Kolha has remained a customer favourite for years because of its versatility and handcrafted detailing. More recently, our Mary Janes have emerged as one of the defining styles for Fizzy Goblet. They've been embraced for their effortless elegance and versatility, and we're excited to see them take on a new life through our campaign with Kareena. Both styles represent our approach to creating footwear that's timeless, comfortable and distinctly Fizzy Goblet.

(M): How long does each pair of juttis take to make?

(LG): At Fizzy Goblet, every pair is handcrafted, and depending on the level of detailing, it can take anywhere between 30 and 50 hours to complete. From embroidery and embellishment to finishing, every step is done by skilled artisans. It's a process that requires patience, but it's also what gives each pair its individuality and character.

(M): Today, your footwear goes perfectly well in almost every segment of a wedding. A much-needed comfy staple we think!

(LG): Wedding celebrations have evolved so much over the years, and so has the way people dress. At Fizzy Goblet, we've always wanted to create footwear that works across every celebration, whether it's a haldi by the pool, a cocktail evening or the wedding ceremony itself. Today, our collections range from colourful embroidered juttis to embellished heels, kolhas and bags, making it easy to find something that complements every look while remaining comfortable enough to wear through long celebrations.

(M): How closely do you work with communities of artisans in India?

(LG): Very closely. Our artisans are an integral part of the design process at Fizzy Goblet, not just the production process. Many of them have spent generations perfecting their craft, and that knowledge is something we deeply value. It's often a collaborative exchange where we bring a design idea, and they help us refine the technique or suggest a better way of executing it. That's what makes every collection so special.

It’s been a decade to your relationship with Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan. As someone who loves your shoes, does she share her creative voice when it comes to the shoe design?

(LG): Kareena has always had a very strong sense of personal style and a clear point of view, so conversations with her are always insightful. Having worn Fizzy Goblet for almost a decade, she understands the brand and our customer really well. While our collections are led by our in house design team, it's always valuable to hear her perspective, especially because it comes from someone who has genuinely been part of the Fizzy Goblet journey for so many years.

(M): Today, you two share a strong relationship that spans so long. How has that impacted and shaped the brand's identity?

Over the years, the relationship has grown alongside the brand, which makes it incredibly special. Kareena has always embodied a sense of confidence and effortless style that aligns naturally with who we design for. Having someone who has genuinely loved the brand for so many years has reinforced our belief in building meaningful, long-term relationships rather than one off associations.

(M): At what point did you realize Kareena Kapoor Khan wasn't just the right face for the brand, but the right strategic partner? What kind of strategic value would you like her to bring to the table?

(LG): The shift from ambassador to investor felt like a very natural progression. It wasn't driven by a single moment, but by years of shared trust and mutual belief in the brand. Beyond her incredible cultural influence, Kareena has an instinctive understanding of what resonates with women across generations. I believe her perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow the brand and shape its next chapter.

(M): Do you also seek inspiration from your own travels across India?

LG: Absolutely. Travel is a huge source of inspiration because every place has its own colours, textures and craft traditions. But inspiration can really come from anywhere. It could be architecture, vintage textiles, a print, an old photograph or even something you notice in everyday life. At Fizzy Goblet, every collection starts with a story, and inspiration is often what shapes that journey.

(M): Are your juttis popular in the West, especially at say, destination weddings?

LG: Yes, we've definitely seen growing interest from international customers, especially around destination weddings. What I find exciting is that people aren't just styling Fizzy Goblet juttis with Indian wear anymore. They're pairing them with dresses, tailoring and resort wear as well. We've also had many customers tell us that visiting one of our stores has become part of their itinerary whenever they're in India. Those interactions are always incredibly special because they reflect the relationship we've built with customers over the years.

(M): Fizzy Goblet has brought Indian craftsmanship into a distinctly modern lens. How challenging is it to make traditional artistry feel aspirational for the contemporary global wardrobe and today’s Gen Z?

LG: I actually see it as more of an opportunity than a challenge. Today's customer, especially Gen Z, is embracing colour and using fashion as a way to express their individuality. They're looking for pieces with personality, not just trends. That's something we've always believed in. By combining Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design, we create footwear that feels distinctive, expressive and aspirational, while remaining incredibly wearable.

(M): What has been the biggest lesson you've learned while building a premium Indian fashion brand in a competitive market?

I've learnt that building a brand is as much about saying no as it is about saying yes. There will always be trends and opportunities, but it's important to stay clear about who you are and what you stand for. Every decision, whether it's a product, a collaboration or a partnership, should strengthen that identity. Looking back, I think consistency has been one of our biggest strengths.