16 April,2011 08:51 AM IST | | Amrita Bose
If, like most women, you carry all kinds of baggage inside your bag, this Bangalore-based designer's products might be just the emotional dumping ground you need
Sweet revenge was the inspiration behind the name of Bangalore-based designer Richa Dubey's label: 22.2 Accessories.
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"I celebrate my birthday on February 22, so it will serve as a constant reminder for family and friends who have ever forgotten my birthday," jokes Richa, who retails totes, clutches and chappals under the name.
Pink Lokkhi Clutch (Rs 1,150)
Richa, who has studied design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, started 22.2 Accessories in 2009, as an attempt to bridge the "design gap" between the traditional and the contemporary.
"I wanted to go beyond Bollywood prints and heavy decoration. Our local artisans are doing some amazing work and I wanted to bring that into mainstream culture, but with a fresh twist," she says.
For her designs, Dubey (31) relies heavily on cultural references, textiles and craft. She fashions stylish clutches, sturdy yet pretty tote bags in organic cottons, canvas, jute, raw silks, Mangalgiri fabric and block prints with interesting zip details in hand-painted leather embellishments.
So you can expect an elaborately made-up Odissi dancer's face staring at you from a silk clutch or colourful threads stitched into leather patches as zipper details in a Mangalgiri fabric bag. Her line of funky, wooden, odd-shaped footwear is also eye-catching.
"Being an environmentally aware label, we try to use materials not very far from their natural finish. The leather used is basic vegetable dye tanned leather and is sourced directly from tanneries." Also the reason for the appeal of owning her creations, explains Richa.
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"We celebrate individuality and imperfection, which is why we are ruthlessly limited edition and rustic in appeal. Each of our products is handcrafted and known for its earthy and whimsical look."
Richa's target audience comprises today's working woman, who is forever rummaging in her bag, and who carries her personal, professional, financial, and (even!) emotional baggage in her bag.
Which is also why you will find several compartments, bags within bags, bags that can be turned inside out and several compartments to stash away anything and everything in her range, explains the
freelance design consultant.
You will soon be able to shop for Richa's products online, for the time-being orders can be placed directly after going through her product images, which are up on the 22.2 Accessories Facebook page.
CALL (080) 41675883
email duberich22@gmail.com
log on to https://www.facebook.com/pages/222accessories/136308276412052
PRICE RANGE Rs 550 to Rs 2,200
