Interested to see what innovative changes lie ahead for the handbag industry? Look no further than Nyla Noor, a recently launched designer handbag brand based in the heart of fast-paced New York City. Co-founded by sisters Romaana and Saifra Zia, Nyla Noor accessories are eco-friendly and produced locally as part of a commitment to creating handbags that are both luxurious and functional--in their words, "serious arm candy, with a conscience." Handbago contacted Romaana and Saifra to get the scoop on how Nyla Noor came about, their upcoming collections, and more!
I understand that both you and your sister were bankers before choosing to pursue full-time careers in fashion. What was the most challenging aspect of starting your own business in a completely different field? The most rewarding?
Romaana and I had both originally pursued careers in fashion prior to entering banking. We have both always had a creative side and an adoration for fashion, so pursuing a full-time career in fashion seemed like the next natural step, as it had always been a dream of ours to start our own company. We quickly realized that banking had prepared us for the business side of the workload and therefore we uphold our work to very high standards. Additionally, our parents had their own successful handbag business in the early 70s and have been a wealth of knowledge and support. Thus far, the most rewarding aspect for us has been taking an idea and turning it into a three dimensional product. The creative process continues to fascinate us.
Currently, there aren't any handbags featured on nylanoor.com. When will you debut your collections, and what can we expect to see in terms of color and design?
The Nyla Noor Catalonia Launch Collection will be available on our website Winter 2009. We have been working very hard to perfect our handbag designs and are very excited to finally have the opportunity to share them. The Catalonia Lauch Collection was inspired by a trip to Barcelona, Spain. As a result, the color pallette is rich and vibrant, and the design is reminiscent to us of the gothic style of Barcelona.
What are the influences behind Nyla Noor's style?
Nyla Noor designs are heavily influenced by travel, art and artitecture. We absolutely love to travel and take in different cultures and styles. Additionally as former bankers, the combination of functionality and a chic design is important to us as well. Many of our designs allow one to take a baag from day to night.
How would you like to see your business grow in the coming years? In what direction do you wish to take it?
In the coming years, Nyla Noor designs will continue to grow our product line and offer thoughful designs all while responsibly sourcing our materials to create ecoluxe handbags and accessories. We look forward to using new and innovative ecoluxe materials to expand the vision of the company. Nyla Noor handbags will be sold at select boutiques, fine retailers and online at www.nylanoor.com. Additionally, Nyla Noor would like to continue to promote awareness to the luxury conscious consumer about environmental and socially conscious issues.
What sets Nyla Noor apart from other handbag companies based in New York?
The Nyla Noor vision marries luxury with a conscious lifestyle. We do this by offering an exciting and brand new product to the luxury accessories market; eco-luxe handbags that are created in the heart of NYC. All materials, such as new ultra-luxe vegetable-tanned leathers, lush green linings and custom hardware, which are sourced within the United States.
Is there anything else you would like our bagistas to know about you and/or Nyla Noor?
Nyla Noor handbags are designed for the contemporary woman who is confidently moving in the direction of her dreams. Just like we are!
Romaana and Saifra, Founders of Nyla Noor.
Thanks Romaana and Saifra! We can't wait to see Nyla Noor's premiere collection this Winter. Go to www.nylanoor.com to learn more about the sisters and their amazing brand. Don't forget to check out the official Nyla Noor blog while you're there!
