When it comes to handbags, there’s nothing quite like a classic Chanel flap bag or an Hermes Constance that makes the heart beat a little faster. And while these icons will always hold their IT bag status given their heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship, there’s no denying that in the last few years, emerging luxury handbag labels have also started to make their mark in the industry – think Mansur Gavriel and Cult Gaia. And now, it’s Spanish label, Nita Suri that is rapidly grabbing the attention amongst the fashion fraternity. Stocked in multiple high-end boutiques including e-tailer Moda Operandi, Selfridges and soon at Bergdorf Goodman in New York, amongst others, their minimalist handbags are a fusion of art and architecture and are entirely handmade. Weighing only four hundred grams, their unique shaped purses, the LIA (a pyramid-shaped purse) and the PILO (a circularly shaped bag) are crafted out of superior quality sheep leather and are instantly recognisable. Designer and founder, Montse Freixes tells us more.
Can you tell us a little bit about the brand?
The brand originally started around 20 years ago when I was living in Japan. After years of success, I had to put it on hold in order to carry out new personal and professional projects. It has now been relaunched by my daughter with a new and fresh feel, taking into account the technical skills acquired in the past and with a vision of producing unique quality handbags for the women of today.
Your signature piece is the pyramid bag – what inspired you to make such a cool shape?
Since I was a little girl I have been fascinated by Antoni Gaudí’s architecture in my hometown of Barcelona, especially the impressive Sagrada Familia. This was exactly my inspiration when I first visioned the LIA model – focusing on the triangular tips that decorate the towers. I found these enhancing details to be extremely beautiful and unique, instantly thinking that they could be transformed into a bold and polished handbag that would turn heads everywhere it went.
Can you give us some details about the craftsmanship?
The craftsmanship process that goes into every Nita Suri bag uses traditional techniques dating back hundreds of years, passed down from generation to generation. Each model is completely handmade, ensuring its quality, design and functionality. Due to their structural shape, it is essential to follow a very specific methodology in order for the bags to be completely symmetrical – as the slightest error could damage the final product
Where do you source your materials from?
We source all of our materials from the historic region of Ubrique, in the south of Spain, where the most talented leather experts apply their skilled methods while paying immaculate attention to detail. Our primary focus is to be sustainable and reliable, therefore, we only chose excellent quality materials that are soft to the touch and made to last. Whoever purchases our handbags will have an item that can withstand the test of time, making it as timeless as its design.
Where do you showcase your new collection? i.e. any specific trade fairs, or fashion weeks?
Our iconic collection was showcased in the London Fashion Week Designer Showrooms last September. We were delighted to hear all the positive feedback and interest that our handbags generated. The upcoming collection will be showcased in a private Parisian showroom during Paris Fashion Week next March.
Can you tell us a little bit about your fall collection?
Our current fall collection is an extension of our iconic models collection, incorporating new colours such as burgundy and green. We have also experimented with new materials, which are red velvet and sequin, creating two models that are exclusively sold in Selfridges.
Will you be looking at adding any new shapes in the future?
We are currently in the process of creating our new collection that will be available next year. This will include new shapes that follow the same structural inspiration as the previous models and we will also expand the variety of materials used in order to create new textures and volumes.
Considering there are so many new handbag labels in the market, how do you ensure your uniqueness?
I believe our uniqueness is undoubtedly associated with the exceptional production techniques that are used to create each model and that enable us to come up with “out of the box” shapes. Our aim is to explore new horizons and strive to create striking products that are easily differentiated from “traditionally” shaped handbags so that when anyone sees them they can instantly think “this is Nita Suri”.
Indian women love their handbags – Is India a market you will be considering in the near future?
Definitely! India is a market that we have been looking at for some time now and are hoping to enter in the near future. We see great potential and think Indian women will appreciate our striking designs and will hopefully make them feel empowered and unique.
All images: Courtesy brand