Quality, hand made and affordable are not often used to describe one brand, but UK-based Natasha Anouska hopes to change that with the launch of Aksuona a line of, you guessed it, quality, handmade and affordable evening bags that will dazzle even the toughest of handbags connoisseurs. If you’re looking to add something to your existing repertoire of clutches, perhaps some metallic luster or a bold violet gemstone number, but you don’t want to break the bank, Aksuona is a good choice. After an inspiring trip to India, designer and founder Natasha left the not-so-glamorous world of pharmaceuticals to pursue her passion for purses. British baristas have been loving her fun designer and moderate prices for a whole year and now it’s time for stateside gals to enjoy. So, let’s get to know Natasha Anouska and Aksuona (her last name spelled backwards) bags.

BagTrends: What inspired you to create your own line?
Natasha Anouska: I was inspired after visiting India at the beginning of 2007. I realized that they have the most wonderful hand made evening bags produced from the most beautiful materials. The colors are vibrant and the craftsmanship is all done by hand which gives the feeling of buying something extra special. When I returned to the UK and searched for similar pieces, I discovered that the handbag market is so overcrowded with either ridiculously expensive designer pieces or incredibly cheap, mass produced bags. It was this very situation that led me to start creating my own pieces. In May 2007 I launched Aksuona with 3 designs; Bloom, Candy and Cristal and I haven’t looked back since.

BT: Good for you! So, what did you do before launching Aksuona?
Natasha: I worked for a pharmaceutical company for three years before realizing that I have always had a passion for creativity, designing and obviously handbags! I decided to give up the big salary and do something that I truly love and follow a career that actually makes me happy.

BT: And you’re making lots of bagistas happy to. Speaking of which, who is the Aksuona girl?
Natasha: The Aksuona girl is every girl – from a really fun, flirty, feminine girl to a more traditional, glamour puss. One thing all Aksuona girls have in common is they love unique, well made, timeless pieces and they have an eye for attention to detail.

BT: What is unique about your line of bags?
Natasha: Aksuona is one of very few labels that specializes in evening bags. I felt that ‘big bags’ are taking over the world so I wanted to create a label based on a variety of smaller bags, from feminine pure silk shoulder bags, to chic over-sized leather clutch bags to glamorous, jewelry-like pieces.

BT: Your pricing is also really great.
Natasha: Yes. I also believe that luxury can be affordable. Each piece is hand made from start to finish, in limited quantities and comes presented in a beautiful hand made keepsake pouch. The  experience of receiving a bag that is made by hand, with a personal touch that is also affordable is exactly what has allowed Aksuona to stand out.

BT: Which is your favorite bag from the current holiday season?
Natasha: Natasha: I absolutely adore the Bloom bag because it is so detailed and versatile. Our Karigars (expert craftsmen in India, skilled in making finished products out of raw materials) weave the body by hand and then braid the border and the shoulder strap. Finally, the crystal flower brooch is hand embellished with crystals which ensures each customer gets something special. The Bloom bag can be a very simple, stylish shoulder bag (without the brooch) or it can be a gorgeous, glam clutch (with the brooch. It is definitely our best-seller to date.

BT: What can we expect for spring/summer 2008 season from Aksuona?
Natasha: We are continuing with our signature hand woven detailing and our ‘Bloom’ flower brooch, but introducing beautiful pure silks in vibrant summer colors. You will see a couple of new edgier designs with metal hardware and unique shoulder chains and also some crocodile embossed leathers. The theme is still very classic and timeless with fun and versatile elements.

BT: What’s next for Aksuona?
Natasha: Aksuona is still a very new label so I just want to  continue producing high quality, affordable, stylish bags and really continue sharing my passion and style with other bagistas across the globe!

BT: What are your in-the-bag essentials?
Natasha: My mobile phone, lip-balm, hand cream, chewing gum and LOTS of business cards!

BT: Aside from your own bags, what other brands do you admire?
Natasha: As far as evening bags go I only wear Aksuona, but there are many other brands out there that I admire for different things. I love, love, love Pucci as I adore the vibrant printed materials that they use. I also like Tanner Krolle and Celine for their simple, classic, well-made leather accessories…. And I am becoming fond of Bracher Emden as the bags are so eccentric and loud.

 

 

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