Yes. Red Tape (styled “RedTape”) is an Indian footwear and fashion brand, despite its British-sounding name. It was launched in 1996 by Mirza International, a Kanpur-based leather and footwear company founded in 1979 by Irshad Mirza and Rashid Ahmed Mirza. Since 2023 it has been owned by the separately listed Indian company Redtape Limited, which is controlled by the Mirza family.
Red Tape Brand Overview
Red Tape began as a men’s leather footwear brand. It later added apparel (a men’s clothing and accessories line in 2006), accessories, and footwear for women and kids. It is now positioned as a lifestyle and fashion brand. It sells through exclusive stores, multi-brand outlets and online marketplaces. It is also sold in the US and Europe through multi-brand outlets, and it opened a store in Sri Lanka. The brand was reported to have become one of the first Indian footwear brands retailed in the UK, which helps explain its international styling.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Red Tape / RedTape |
| Country of origin | India |
| Founders | Irshad Mirza and Rashid Ahmed Mirza (through Mirza International) |
| Brand launched | 1996 |
| Original parent | Mirza International Ltd (founded 1979, Kanpur) |
| Current owner | Redtape Limited, a listed company |
| Demerger | Separated from Mirza International and listed in August 2023 |
| Leadership | Shuja Mirza, Managing Director and CEO (as of 2026) |
| Headquarters | One source says Noida. Older reports describe Mirza International as headquartered in Kanpur. |
| Categories | Footwear, apparel and accessories |
| Sister brands | Bond Street, Oak Trak, Redtape Gal (per trade reports). Other brands in the portfolio vary by source. |
Origin
Mirza International started as a manufacturer and exporter of finished leather and leather footwear, and supplied international brands. It then began selling under its own brands, Red Tape and Oakridge. Red Tape was launched in 1996 and was marketed as a fashion footwear brand for men, with Bollywood ambassadors such as Salman Khan. After building a national presence, the brand expanded into apparel and accessories. Over time it shifted from leather formal footwear towards a broader, non-leather lifestyle business for Indian consumers.
Ownership
In August 2023, the branded Red Tape business was demerged from Mirza International through a court-approved scheme of arrangement. The same scheme merged RTS Fashions, an entity owned by the promoter group, into Mirza International. The Red Tape brand business moved to Redtape Limited, which was listed on the stock exchanges. The leather and export business stayed with Mirza International. The Mirza family is the promoter group and holds a controlling stake. Check the latest exchange filings for the exact shareholding. A trade report also says Redtape acquired the sports footwear brand Sprandi in April 2026. I could not confirm this from a company source.
FAQ
Is Red Tape British?
No. The name sounds British, but the brand was created in India by an Indian company.
Who owns Red Tape?
Redtape Limited, a listed Indian company controlled by the Mirza family.
Is Red Tape owned by Mirza International?
Not any more. Until 2023 it was part of Mirza International. Since the demerger it is a separate company, though the same promoter family is behind both.
Is Red Tape made in India?
It comes from an India-based manufacturing business. Mirza International has factories including one in Greater Noida. Which products are made where varies, so check the product label.
Is Red Tape genuine leather?
It started as a leather brand, but the company has moved towards non-leather lifestyle footwear. Check each product’s material listing.
Is Red Tape related to Red Chief?
No. They are separate Indian brands with different owners. Red Chief is owned by Leayan Global of the RSPL Group, and Red Tape is owned by Redtape Limited, promoted by the Mirza family. Both have Kanpur roots.
Who is the CEO?
Shuja Mirza, as of 2026.
