The Vault: Mahvash Sheikh

The creative designer and owner of the brand new handbag line, Mahvash, talks about the most treasurable bags in her collection!

How and when did you become interested in handbags?

As a child I was always complimented on my sense of style and I was obsessed with carrying my mother’s ‘grown up’ handbags. I realised pretty early on that a nice bag could spruce up even the plainest of outfits. This interest eventually turned into a passion and I was lucky enough to gain admission into the internationally recognised Cordwainer’s Accessory Design Programme at the London College of Fashion. Now, I’m finally at that nerve wrecking moment when an artist is about to launch their baby into the world!

What are your favourite handbags?

I have so many favourites! From my own label, the metallic bag with pearls is at the top of the list. It’s a unique yet elegant stand out piece! I’m also currently obsessing over the ‘J’adior Flap Bag’ by Dior.



Is there any bag you are emotionally attached to and why?

It’s got to be my first-ever hand made creation at university. It was an all-leather, lace-up shoulder bag. It took ages to make but once complete it was truly an exhilarating moment. It set the tone for the gruelling yet rewarding years at university ahead.

Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite bags:

I would have to say my red Saint Laurent ‘High School Satchel’ is my favourite. I actually walked into the store looking for something else, but they took out this piece from the back and said it suited me more – it hadn’t even launched as yet! That piece was very close to my personal style, which also reflects in my debut collection. I love a clean, timeless look with edgy and youthful details. All these characteristics resonate with the Mahvash woman – ‘an abiding beauty’. I drew inspiration from spring/summer trends, which are seen in the floral and pearl accents that I have used, radiating a feminine and quirky appeal to an otherwise classic, clean-cut handbag. I want my bags to be elegant yet also make an impact as there is nothing like it in the local market.

Is there anything on your mind that you want to make in the future?

I’m very unpredictable as a designer, so I want to experiment but right now I’m definitely thinking of doing something that is all black and futuristic. It feels very farfetched at the moment but it’s something I intend on playing with. And who knows, I may even branch out into other creative interests!