bags

© Aila Design

Young Kuwaiti designer Amal Khourshid owns the hip fashion label Aila Design, which makes the above must have bags.

Aren’t they hot? We think so and we have Amal share her story with you. Currently, she is based in Lebanon and her story reads like a fairytale. Why? Read on and see how it all started.

Her story started with her love for exotic skins about one year ago. By coincidence she found a store selling beautiful imported python skins. She decided to buy one herself, and to her luck, at the store, she bumped into a traditional handbag crafter. He proposed to create the bag for her if she had a specific design in mind.
The rest is history.

Amal’s first clutch turned out a beautiful piece. Every time she would carry it, people would come to her and ask for the Designer. In the end she started taking orders and it all began.

She decided to have her first exhibition, and due to its success she started making collections every season.Today she has nine different point of sales, and 3 more to come.

Her handmade creations consist of mainly clutches, as well as small leather goods and beach bags. All her products are handmade and produced with genuine leather or python skins.

We believe her story is another good match for know what and where.com as it demonstrates the great entrepreneurship behind.

But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!

NB: If you want to learn more on Amal’s entrepreneurial journey so far, please visit our section «career makeovers ».

© IMI

The new fashion label IMI (= I am I) by Simrin Singh does the cute handbags shown above.

Having worked with India's best Fashion and Accessory designers for over 4 years, Simrin decided to make her passion for fashion her business and established her label IMI in July 2009 after relocating to London.

Simrin’s work at IMI is inspired by her new home London and its wealth of different cultures. Due to her love for anything and everything that sparkles and glitters she considered Swarovski the ideal material for her bags. And she is convinced that no matter what you wear, an IMI bag can make you look instantly glamorous. It makes you shine like the stars.

IMI believes that each person can make a statement by being herself. Thus, IMI’s brand mission to help you express your individuality. To offer something for each facet of your personality, IMI’s designs range from simple and elegant to frivolous and fun.

IMI bags are handcrafted in Hong Kong using crystals of different sizes and colors on moulds, depending on the design of the particular bag. Each bag comes with a certificate of authenticity from Swarovski.

IMI bags are currently available at stores in the UK, Spain, UAE and retail prices vary from£300 to £900. Don’t you think they are hot yet affordable luxury?

But go and see for your self.

Enjoy!

© Mojo Handbags

Hip fashion label MOJO designs these cute bags. We like everything about MOJO - the unique design, the high quality and attention to the little detail, the fact that each bag is handmade by Lebanese artisans and certainly the inspiring story behind.
This is why we want to share our interview with the Lebanese Owner, Founder and Designer Mariana Jammal Bassatne with you.

What were you doing before? Did you always consider establishing a fashion label one day?

Fashion design was never a career I thought I would ever get into as a communications graduate.

Why do you do bags and accessories?

The reason I started with handbags and accessories is my love of working with original leathers as well as my love to create. I always felt that wearing the right accessories and carrying the right handbag can really make the simplest of outfits into a fashion statement.

What made you decide to establish MOJO - was there a triggering event?

It all started with my search for the perfect clutch to compliment my outfit. After hours of ransacking stores with no hope in sight, I decided to design my own clutch.  It took me a while to find an artisan who would be able to meet my demands. But I finally found one who made 10 beautiful handmade python clutch bags. Not knowing what to do with them, I decided to try and sell them to my friends. They went like hot cakes. This was when it clicked; this is something I should tackle. That was in 2005.

Tell us about your label MOJO - its philosophy & characteristics

I decided on the name MOJO by trying to figure out a name for my creations using my initials and at the same time have a deep meaning. Hence MOJO, which is defined as a secret charm and something magical.

MOJO’s mission is to create funky and edgy handbags and accessories fashion confident women who like to be different and like to stand out.

As my business grew I needed help to handle the orders. This is why my sister and boutique owner Lama Jammal joined the label as a partner in 2007. We do most of the management and creation as a team. We believe in working with traditional craftsmen in hand making each MOJO bag using quality leathers.

What are your plans for the future? Any plans to expand beyond your accessory line?

We are currently working on opening a show room here in Lebanon, and we will be showing our products in London Fashion Week in September. And we started working on designing a clothing line and a beach collection.

What has been the most exciting moment so far?

I guess the most exciting moment so far would have to be establishing my label.  It is a reflection of my ideas and a reflection of how I see the world around me. It is my passion and gives me the luxury and freedom to create.

Isn't this an inspiring story? MOJO might only be three/four years in business but it rapidly became a success. We certainly see the reason why.

But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!

© Kaviar Gauche

KAVIAR GAUCHE is the name of the label doing these hip « must have » bags.

Design duo Alexandra Fischer-Röhler und Johanna Kühl established their cool brand in Germany’s fashion hot spot Berlin in 2003.

KAVIAR GAUCHE's philosophy is to merge various styles. This also applies to their lovely bags.

Their signature « Lamella bag » has already become a classic. But they keep coming up with some fancy contemporary interpretations.

And their bags are very versatile, too. No matter if you are looking for a sexy clutch for your next night at the Opera or club, an oversize bag for your commute to work - KAVIAR GAUCHE bags make a great companion and fashion statement, day and night. They are elegant, stylish and modern accessories but have the potential to become timeless classics.

But go and see for yourself. Enjoy!

NB: If you want to have a look at some of their lovely ready to wear dresses just check out our « women » section. If you are getting married we recommend having a look at their awesome bridal couture line on our « special events » section.