Defying a myth: designing plexiglas bags

Nimra Nabeel has ventured into a territory unchartered, and has emerged successful.

KARACHI:

Revealing soles and bodies, plastic heels, Plexiglas clutches and Perspex bijoux are the season’s clear winners. It’s time to shine a light and twenty-four-year old Nimra Nabeel’s new venture is adding a bit of bite to the traditional lipstick and phone holder.

“Since I was 18 years old, I wanted to try my hand at designing shoes and bags. I’ve already ventured into bags, but I still need to get started on shoes,” says Nabeel.



Nabeel’s family comes from an entrepreneurial background, and subsequently, she opted go ahead with a business degree. As she ventures into the fashion industry, she reveals how taking up fashion courses had never been part of the plan; she wasn’t sure if she’d do this and didn’t expect it to work wonders. However, it sure did, making Plexiglas clutches is a first in Pakistan, and it is a very chic and unusual concept. “The material reflects light and has a very glassy effect. It’s very fragile, as well. A lot has been done in the name of fabric, embroideries, motifs and diamante bags; I wanted to experiment with something that nobody had done before,” explains Nabeel.

Her mother, cousins and friends were critical at the time of the inception of these bags, but they have grown to love them, and have become big fans of her work.

Working with Plexiglas wasn’t easy, and Nabeel insists that a large number of samples were thrown away. “There were major disasters, as far as the manufacturing process is concerned. It was as if making the perfect Plexiglas clutch was impossible, a myth,” says Nabeel. It was from this tedious process that the name of the collection sprung.

Nabeel first launched her collection online via Facebook in February 2014. The 35 pieces were sold out within a week. Nabeel informs The Express Tribune that she has been designing since June 2013, finding inspiration in designer Rauwolf NYC’s collection. “Nobody does it like her. Chanel and Gucci couldn’t even match up what this designer does!” expresses the young entrepreneur.

When asked what exactly it is about Rawoulf NYC she adores, Nabeel adds, “I think it’s her finishing. It’s a very reflective piece in Rauwolf NYC’s work that inspired me to bring forth my own collection on it, the luminance was one factor that we couldn’t get earlier on in these clutches.”

The Myth Collection is currently being stocked at Cocktail and in the near future, Nabeel plans to exhibit a number of new and different items. Though, she is not sure where she will be exhibiting it yet, Nabeel asserts, “I plan on bringing forward a bridal collection this June, which will be quite unconventional. In this upcoming collection, one should expect digital prints with some Swarovski crystals, along with some interesting imagery.” Up next is also her first outlet in Karachi, which will open sometime this year, she informs.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2014.

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