For footwear and clutch bag designer Nariman Shukralla, the fashion landscape looks bright. She has set up her eponymous label ‘NS Designs’ quite recently and it hasn’t taken long for her collection to make it to the top, thanks to the perfect fabric combinations and unusual details. Our team at Bahrain This Week caught up with this highly talented lady to share in her life’s story.
Tell us how and when your interest towards designing fashion accessories began…
I had always been in love with footwear and handbags. But it was not until the severe car accident that I met with in 2008 that I decided to take up designing them as a career. The accident had injured my leg pretty bad and it took quite some time for me to come back to my normal life. With weak muscles and injuries I found it very difficult to walk in my usual collection of footwear or to even carry my bags. I wanted something that was a bit more comfortable and yet not compromise on style. I found it really difficult to find such designs in our current market. That is when I decided to design my own collection of these accessories. My aim was to create something that was trendy, fashionable and light weight. It was quite a challenge for me with the designs as well as the materials that had to be chosen to give them perfection. But once I started off, things started falling in place and I am happy at how my designs are getting accepted among my clients.
What is your inspiration towards creating trendy footwear and clutches?
I am deeply inspired by Mother Nature. All things – tiny or gigantic, that are part of our nature and draws my attention becomes the inspiration behind every collection of mine. For example, my Red Sea Collection was inspired by the breathtakingly beautiful corals of the Red Sea, Peacock Designs were inspired from the Bird Gardens and the Roses collection was from the beautiful spring rose blooms.
Which are your favourite materials to work with?
I love to work with velvet and leather. The reason is that they are light, trendy and durable. Designs made with these materials never go out of fashion. Above all it helps me fulfill the ideal with which I began NS Designs.
What do you find the hardest part about designing a pattern and bringing it to the public?
The hardest part about bringing a design out is to satisfy the customer. There is no doubt about that. I have to make sure that the patterns of the clutch or the foot wear is accepted by my customer. Unless they are satisfied with its quality, they won’t come back to me the next time or refer to their near ones. So every designs are carefully done keeping my client preferences at the foremost.
Which one of your patterns is your favourite and why?
Hmm… That will be a difficult question to answer. Each pattern is unique in its own way and they are like my babies. So I have to say that I love them all. I don’t think I will be able to point at one design and call it my favorite.
How would you describe the uniqueness about your patterns?
I can say three major reasons for my designs being unique. A) Perfect blend of fashion and comfort. B) Elegance provided in a healthy way. C) Guarantees to give that extra touch of perfection to your outfit.
So far where can we find your works?
Currently my collections are on display at Showcase 101 at Riyadat Mall in A’Ali. You can visit the place and see all my designs up close.
Can you brief us about the proudest moment in your career?
The proudest moment would be to know that my clients are closely following me to know the release of every new collection. Having them waiting impatiently to be the first to get their hands on the new design actually drives me to create better than the best every time.
Is there something you have learnt as a designer that you would like to share with other designers or newbie designers?
Patience is one major lesson I have learnt being a designer. The market today is so aggressive and we need to be patient to be recognised by potential buyers.
All I would like to say to the newbie designers is to wok from their heart. They need to work hard and never miss out on any opportunities that might be knocking at your door. As I always say, be patient and the doors of success will surely open for you.