Two pieces six ways: Nina Neri
we have six fashionistas showing us how to put together items from Nina Neri’s handbag collection
While trends fade, style remains eternal and one piece can be put together in many different ways. In this feature we have six fashionistas showing us how to put together items from Nina Neri’s handbag collection, according to their own individual style and taste!
The ‘Metalic Favola Bag’ is from ‘The Great Gatsby’ collection. “I wanted to create something using chains that was easy to manipulate and creatively appealing. My Italian designer created this with Milan in mind, along with a sense of geometry,” states the designer.
The Pink bag or the ‘Paris Bag’ is inspired from the novel The Great Gatsby. It is made of python leather and the chain is imported from Italy. “I wanted to design a bag using pearls. It is ideal to pair with eveningwear or for a wedding. Dolce & Gabbana is also using these pearls this season!” the designer shares.
Fatima Habib
Event planner
I consider myself a minimalist. I almost always gravitate towards classic pieces like tailored vests and pants, white button-down shirts and light denim.
With the silver-grey bag I opted for a monochromatic look. I paired a sleeveless grey turtleneck with ripped jeans and metallic oxfords, to dress the bag down. I went for darker eyes for this look, keeping my lip colour subtle. I would wear this outfit to dinner with friends.
With the pink bag I wore all-white, which is personally one of my favourite looks. I paired culottes with a pleated top and long vest, complemented with nude heels. I held the bag as a clutch with the chain hanging in front. For my make-up, I went for light eyes and nude lips with a voluminous blow-dry. This outfit is ideal for a formal brunch or any summer party.
Daneese Ali
Socialite
Fashion, for me, is what you’re comfortable in, and my personal style is very casual. I love ripped jeans, collared shirts, and long shirts with tights.
With the grey bag, I wore my black culottes and a silver silk top. I wrapped the chains of the bag around my arm to give it a formal look. For my hair, I went with tight curls and accessorised with my Rolex ‘Daytona’ watch, Cartier bracelets and black stilettos. I would wear this look to a formal dinner.
I pulled out my long flared denim jeans and a white top to impart a casual look for the pearl pink bag. I accessorised this look with ear cuffs and left my hair open. I would wear this ensemble to a lunch.
Aleeha Danyal
Dentist
My personal style is an amalgamation. I could be wearing a classic ensemble one day and be in ripped jeans with a bomber jacket and sneakers the next.
With the metallic bag I wore a full-sleeved powder pink top with black skinnies and paired the look with snakeskin heels. I decided to hold the bag as a clutch. For my hair, I opted for classic loose curls and for make-up, I went with dramatic eyes. The look could work for a dinner party.
For the second look, I wore white separates and painted my nails red for a pop of colour. I added my jewelled purple pumps with the pink pearl bag, and let the bag hang between both my hands. I would sport this look for fashion week.
Rubab Ali
Model
I would describe my personal style as trendy and edgy. Challenge me to try something new and I will do it wholeheartedly! I’m constantly looking for unusual ways to update my wardrobe.
With the metallic bag, I wore a midi dress with a Swarovski belt and rose pink pumps. I played it safe by staying in the black and grey family, so a pop of pink was necessary. I carried the bag half off my arm to add a sense of elegance to the look. I would wear this to a party.
The pink bag with the pearl chain had to be the hero. I went for a knee-length lace dress and black shoes, which in turn highlighted the pink bag. I wrapped the delicate pearl chain around my wrist and held it as a clutch. For my hair, I went for curls and for my make-up, dramatic eyes with red lipstick. I would wear this look to a party as well.
Risham Saqib
Fashion designer
A person should know their own style well and avoid going overboard. I would say that my personal style is classy and trendy.
I paired the grey bag with a black skirt-pant and a frilly, off-white top, adding my black Hermès pumps. I carried the bag half way on my arm because that’s usually how I carry bags. I wore pearls from Chanel with my Chopard watch and a diamond tennis bracelet. For my hair I did a bouncy blow-dry, and for make-up I used a La Prairie foundation with ‘Please Me’ lipstick by MAC, with a Dior blush. I would wear this to a friend’s get-together or a day out on holiday.
I styled the pink bag with a pleated Zara dress. The colour of the bag was light, so I wore a silver off-white dress to allow the focus to stay on the bag. I wore my ‘Doracora’ Louboutin ballerinas, twisted the beautiful pearl chains on my wrist and carried the bag as a clutch. I wanted the pearl chain to show as much as possible, since it adds to the beauty of the bag. I wore pearl earrings from Dior, a Chopard watch and a diamond tennis bracelet. I would wear this to a birthday party or a formal dinner.
Anush Ammar
CEO, Fabbitt
My personal style ranges from glamorous to experimental and even occasionally, hippy-chic. It depends on what I’m feeling and how I want to channel that vibe.
With the grey bag, I opted for a Mahgul outfit and a man bun to give a more fierce and powerful look. I kept wearing my everyday jewellery and added a Cartier bracelet. For make-up I went for bright pink lips and dramatic eyes and then contoured the rest of my face. I would wear this to a red carpet event.
With the pale-pink bag, I chose a loose shalwar with a tie-up shirt and white shoes. I used braids to give a softer look, perfect for the day or evening. I wore my engagement ring, a watch and to add some bling, my Cartier bracelet. I believe in accessorising the hands — after one’s eyes, they do most of the talking. I would wear this to a lunch.
The Nina Neri Story
Sana Hasan Tata, the woman behind the international handbag brand Nina Neri taking Pakistan by storm, speaks to us about her sensational journey. From facing language barriers during her time at Academia Riacci in Italy, to exploring innovative machinery for her new venture, the young entrepreneur shares it all.
With her father’s leather manufacturing and export business already in place, starting a leather goods brand came naturally to Tata. “It just made sense for me to start something involving leather. Though it wasn’t till after I went for my first course that I realised that designing handbags is my calling,” she says.
Her first course in handbags was in Karachi, after which she went to Academia Riacci for a Handbag Designing and Manufacturing course.
The biggest challenge she faced during her time in Italy was the language barrier, as none of her teachers knew how to speak English and she wasn’t well-versed in Italian. Other issues she faced included using a sewing machine for the first time, though the language barrier was by far her biggest challenge. “I wish I could say I speak fluent Italian today, but sadly I don’t. However, I managed to pass my course and am running Nina Neri now, so overall my time in Italy was a success,” she smilingly says.
After her course was complete she went on to work at Lapipe, one of the finest factories in Italy. Lapipe manufactures goods for mega design house conglomerates such as Gucci and Berluti. This experience was perhaps the most constructive for Tata. “I feel being thrown into such a big production house helped me learn more than I ever would have, had I come back home right after my course,” she says.
The next step in her journey was a trade show where she found the accessories used on her handbags. She tells us that a trade show is usually held for large brands to make connections for accessories and bag hardware. She proudly says all accessories used on Nina Neri designs are imported from Italy and are also being used by premier designers such as Dolce & Gabbana.
Finally, once all the research was done and Tata completed her education, she came back ready to step into the work force. “I told myself slow and steady wins the race, so I paced myself and didn’t rush a single step to make sure that even if the process is slow, I create superior bags instead of mediocre bags faster,” she shares. Tata says the next challenge she faced was the machinery. A lot of new machinery was needed for her venture and she went through a rigorous process to find only the best.
After enduring an extensive process in efforts to create her brand, the successful entrepreneur happily states: “Today, I have designers and technicians from Italy who have helped me create the Nina Neri brand. Language is no longer a problem either, as I have translators to help me communicate with them!”
The ‘Metalic Favola Bag’ is from ‘The Great Gatsby’ collection. “I wanted to create something using chains that was easy to manipulate and creatively appealing. My Italian designer created this with Milan in mind, along with a sense of geometry,” states the designer.
The Pink bag or the ‘Paris Bag’ is inspired from the novel The Great Gatsby. It is made of python leather and the chain is imported from Italy. “I wanted to design a bag using pearls. It is ideal to pair with eveningwear or for a wedding. Dolce & Gabbana is also using these pearls this season!” the designer shares.
Fatima Habib
Event planner
I consider myself a minimalist. I almost always gravitate towards classic pieces like tailored vests and pants, white button-down shirts and light denim.
With the silver-grey bag I opted for a monochromatic look. I paired a sleeveless grey turtleneck with ripped jeans and metallic oxfords, to dress the bag down. I went for darker eyes for this look, keeping my lip colour subtle. I would wear this outfit to dinner with friends.
With the pink bag I wore all-white, which is personally one of my favourite looks. I paired culottes with a pleated top and long vest, complemented with nude heels. I held the bag as a clutch with the chain hanging in front. For my make-up, I went for light eyes and nude lips with a voluminous blow-dry. This outfit is ideal for a formal brunch or any summer party.
Daneese Ali
Socialite
Fashion, for me, is what you’re comfortable in, and my personal style is very casual. I love ripped jeans, collared shirts, and long shirts with tights.
With the grey bag, I wore my black culottes and a silver silk top. I wrapped the chains of the bag around my arm to give it a formal look. For my hair, I went with tight curls and accessorised with my Rolex ‘Daytona’ watch, Cartier bracelets and black stilettos. I would wear this look to a formal dinner.
I pulled out my long flared denim jeans and a white top to impart a casual look for the pearl pink bag. I accessorised this look with ear cuffs and left my hair open. I would wear this ensemble to a lunch.
Aleeha Danyal
Dentist
My personal style is an amalgamation. I could be wearing a classic ensemble one day and be in ripped jeans with a bomber jacket and sneakers the next.
With the metallic bag I wore a full-sleeved powder pink top with black skinnies and paired the look with snakeskin heels. I decided to hold the bag as a clutch. For my hair, I opted for classic loose curls and for make-up, I went with dramatic eyes. The look could work for a dinner party.
For the second look, I wore white separates and painted my nails red for a pop of colour. I added my jewelled purple pumps with the pink pearl bag, and let the bag hang between both my hands. I would sport this look for fashion week.
Rubab Ali
Model
I would describe my personal style as trendy and edgy. Challenge me to try something new and I will do it wholeheartedly! I’m constantly looking for unusual ways to update my wardrobe.
With the metallic bag, I wore a midi dress with a Swarovski belt and rose pink pumps. I played it safe by staying in the black and grey family, so a pop of pink was necessary. I carried the bag half off my arm to add a sense of elegance to the look. I would wear this to a party.
The pink bag with the pearl chain had to be the hero. I went for a knee-length lace dress and black shoes, which in turn highlighted the pink bag. I wrapped the delicate pearl chain around my wrist and held it as a clutch. For my hair, I went for curls and for my make-up, dramatic eyes with red lipstick. I would wear this look to a party as well.
Risham Saqib
Fashion designer
A person should know their own style well and avoid going overboard. I would say that my personal style is classy and trendy.
I paired the grey bag with a black skirt-pant and a frilly, off-white top, adding my black Hermès pumps. I carried the bag half way on my arm because that’s usually how I carry bags. I wore pearls from Chanel with my Chopard watch and a diamond tennis bracelet. For my hair I did a bouncy blow-dry, and for make-up I used a La Prairie foundation with ‘Please Me’ lipstick by MAC, with a Dior blush. I would wear this to a friend’s get-together or a day out on holiday.
I styled the pink bag with a pleated Zara dress. The colour of the bag was light, so I wore a silver off-white dress to allow the focus to stay on the bag. I wore my ‘Doracora’ Louboutin ballerinas, twisted the beautiful pearl chains on my wrist and carried the bag as a clutch. I wanted the pearl chain to show as much as possible, since it adds to the beauty of the bag. I wore pearl earrings from Dior, a Chopard watch and a diamond tennis bracelet. I would wear this to a birthday party or a formal dinner.
Anush Ammar
CEO, Fabbitt
My personal style ranges from glamorous to experimental and even occasionally, hippy-chic. It depends on what I’m feeling and how I want to channel that vibe.
With the grey bag, I opted for a Mahgul outfit and a man bun to give a more fierce and powerful look. I kept wearing my everyday jewellery and added a Cartier bracelet. For make-up I went for bright pink lips and dramatic eyes and then contoured the rest of my face. I would wear this to a red carpet event.
With the pale-pink bag, I chose a loose shalwar with a tie-up shirt and white shoes. I used braids to give a softer look, perfect for the day or evening. I wore my engagement ring, a watch and to add some bling, my Cartier bracelet. I believe in accessorising the hands — after one’s eyes, they do most of the talking. I would wear this to a lunch.
The Nina Neri Story
Sana Hasan Tata, the woman behind the international handbag brand Nina Neri taking Pakistan by storm, speaks to us about her sensational journey. From facing language barriers during her time at Academia Riacci in Italy, to exploring innovative machinery for her new venture, the young entrepreneur shares it all.
With her father’s leather manufacturing and export business already in place, starting a leather goods brand came naturally to Tata. “It just made sense for me to start something involving leather. Though it wasn’t till after I went for my first course that I realised that designing handbags is my calling,” she says.
Her first course in handbags was in Karachi, after which she went to Academia Riacci for a Handbag Designing and Manufacturing course.
The biggest challenge she faced during her time in Italy was the language barrier, as none of her teachers knew how to speak English and she wasn’t well-versed in Italian. Other issues she faced included using a sewing machine for the first time, though the language barrier was by far her biggest challenge. “I wish I could say I speak fluent Italian today, but sadly I don’t. However, I managed to pass my course and am running Nina Neri now, so overall my time in Italy was a success,” she smilingly says.
After her course was complete she went on to work at Lapipe, one of the finest factories in Italy. Lapipe manufactures goods for mega design house conglomerates such as Gucci and Berluti. This experience was perhaps the most constructive for Tata. “I feel being thrown into such a big production house helped me learn more than I ever would have, had I come back home right after my course,” she says.
The next step in her journey was a trade show where she found the accessories used on her handbags. She tells us that a trade show is usually held for large brands to make connections for accessories and bag hardware. She proudly says all accessories used on Nina Neri designs are imported from Italy and are also being used by premier designers such as Dolce & Gabbana.
Finally, once all the research was done and Tata completed her education, she came back ready to step into the work force. “I told myself slow and steady wins the race, so I paced myself and didn’t rush a single step to make sure that even if the process is slow, I create superior bags instead of mediocre bags faster,” she shares. Tata says the next challenge she faced was the machinery. A lot of new machinery was needed for her venture and she went through a rigorous process to find only the best.
After enduring an extensive process in efforts to create her brand, the successful entrepreneur happily states: “Today, I have designers and technicians from Italy who have helped me create the Nina Neri brand. Language is no longer a problem either, as I have translators to help me communicate with them!”