Founder & Lead Designer
HELLO, I'M ABDUL TAWWAB KHAN.
The Journey
I am a brand-obsessed footwear design leader who believes every product should tell a story and strengthen a brand's soul.
My journey began in 1999 in the UK under Richard Elliot, where I learned how design emotion and consumer insight shape enduring brand identities. That foundation guided two and a half decades of work across some of the most recognizable names in global fashion footwear.
I evolved Red Tape for the Indian market, redefined Lee Cooper's East London DNA, and created my own brand showcased at Lakmé Fashion Week. Across roles with Original Penguin, Ben Sherman, and others, I have championed design that protects heritage while introducing fresh relevance.
As a freelancer, I have contributed to FILA, The Souled Store, Fin Project, and DoubleU — bringing newness to each collaboration with a blend of critical thinking, analytical curiosity, and emotional intelligence.
Vision Statement
“I see design as a strategic engine that drives brand value and business performance. For me, it is a form of storytelling — bringing emotion, relevance, and identity to every product.”
Credentials Snapshot
Sustainability
CREATE A SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINT
The footwear industry has a materials problem, a waste problem, and an accountability problem. At ATK Designs, we challenge every step of the value chain — not with slogans, but with specific material choices and the manufacturing relationships to back them up.
We have deep knowledge of footwear materials — how they behave, how they age, and how they are produced. That knowledge is the foundation of responsible design. We specify recycled materials for insole construction and work with recycled yarn for upper components wherever the brief allows.
Materials That Mean Something
We specify recycled insole materials and recycled yarn components as a baseline, not an upgrade. Every material decision is made with full knowledge of its source and production impact.
Partners With Real Investment
We work with manufacturers who are actively investing in sustainable production technology — not just those who have updated their marketing.
Value Chain Accountability
Sustainable design is not just about what the product is made of. It is about how it is specified, developed, sampled, and shipped. We stay involved across the full chain.
Endorsements & Associates
“Tawwab is an all-round Shoes Designer and Product Developer. He is updated with the latest international trends and knows India's market requirements quite well. Making shoes requires passion, knowledge, skills and dedication — and he has all the magic ingredients.”
Verrucci Lorenzo
Director, Indian Operations — Fin Project
“I have known Tawwab Khan since 1995. He is an illustrious alumnus of FDDI, setting many milestones in the field of Design. I have found him a highly disciplined, intelligent, committed man who is always in the pursuit of excellence.”
Satyam Srivastava
Sr. Consultant — FDDI, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India
“Mr. Abdul Tawwab is very creative and energetic. He is always in search of new ideas and applications. We are impressed by his different perspective of looking at things. We wish him all the very best for his new venture.”
Deepak Budhiraja
CEO — Roger Industries Limited
“Abdul worked with me directly as one of the key designers. A creative, commercial and effective designer and range builder, able to work directly with clients, managing expectations and connecting with their business.”
Antony Nathan
MD — Chapters Brand, UK Limited
START THE CONVERSATION
Whether you are a brand looking for a full design-to-delivery partner or an established label that needs an experienced outside perspective.