Amishi Dhanuka flaunts her bag of clutches

London-based designer Amishi Dhanuka will exhibit her latest collection of handbags at the Bride Show Dubai 2008, which opens on Wednesday.

The designer launched her label, Amishi, in the UK three years ago and her exclusive handmade bags and clutches are now sold at Harrods, Fenwicks and many other prestigious stores in Europe.

"I design for women of style and substance who believe in completing an elegant look with the right accessories," says Dhanuka.

"We have a wide range of bags and clutches for special occasions and we can also customise bags to match a bridal gown and trousseau. I came to the Bride Show Dubai last year because I had heard a lot about this style savvy city. And I am back this year because I have seen that women in Dubai appreciate good design, craftsmanship and finish."

Artistic

The designer has always been interested in art. She grew up in Kolkata, in India, imbibing deeply from the city's artistic culture. As a child she expressed her creativity through painting, winning many accolades including the President's Award at an all India painting competition. Later she moved to publishing, establishing two successful magazines in India.

Dhanuka became interested in designing bags after she moved to London a few years ago.

"I love bags and had plenty of ideas for new designs. Hence I joined an intensive course in handbag design at the London School of Fashion to understand the technical aspects of the construction of handbags.

"Fortunately, my first few collections were well accepted by the market and I now design a new collection every season, which is usually introduced in Paris," says the designer.

"I am enjoying this so much that I have sold my magazines so that I can devote more time to designing my bags and developing my label," she adds.

Her designs are inspired by nature and the world around her. Dhanuka travels around the world to source materials such as coral, shells, mother of pearl, semi-precious stones, antique jewellery, crystals and beads for her sophisticated designs.

Collection

Her summer 2008 collection reflects the colours and moods of the season with floral motifs and diamanté broaches on leather bags and colourful beaded clutches.

She has experimented with interesting shapes and decorative elements, and besides vibrant summer colours, her palette also includes the season's favourite metallic shades as well as classic black and white.

"Amishi is the Sanskrit word for 'pure'. And that is what my label signifies — pure beauty and pure design. I try to create designs that are fresh and unique yet timeless so that they can be handed over from mother to daughter and granddaughter," she says.