TODAY ON OUR FASHIONABLE RADAR - BAG AND ACCESSORIES DESIGNER AMANDA NAVAI.
If you heard the name of Amanda Navaji, you probably saw her bags of python skin. These textured bags are sewn by hand in Lebanon, so each of them is unique. At one time, Amanda moved to Dubai from Iran. At university, the girl studied politics and international relations, but her soul asked for another: she always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Today, the name of Amanda - independent, creative, tender, cheerful, emotional - is known to many in Dubai's fashion circles.
At first glance, Amanda - a model figure, long blonde hair, bold style - may seem like a typical fashionista who came to design by chance. But the opposite is true. It was her love of fashion that brought her to Dubai. In five years at Chalhoub, she managed to launch brands such as L'Occitane and Frederiс Fekkai. Amanda quickly realized that she wanted more, but could not stop at one thing. Finally, she attended a lecture by Sugar Hashemi, co-founder of Coffee Republic coffee chain and co-author of the book “Everyone Can Do It,” and realized that she needed to do business. “Hashemi said:“ No need to reinvent the wheel - just find your niche. ”And I remembered that phrase.” Having experimented in a variety of areas and opened several sandwich bars and coffee houses, Amanda remembered yet another Sahara phrase: “Do what you love.”
She noticed that only large and expensive fashion houses make accessories from python skin, and not every girl can afford them. At the time, the most fashionable accessory was Hermes double-sided belt H. So Amanda realized that she needed to make double-sided bags of python skin. Her bags cost only 2500 dirhams - a very reasonable price for this niche. In addition, they were high-quality, universal and unlike anything else.
"In Dubai, you can think outside the box. Nobody forces you to do the same as everyone else," says Amanda. Thanks to the bright geometric design, her handbags were noticed by local fashionistas, and then Hollywood stars such as Kim Kardashian and Sienna Miller.
The latest Amanda Navai collection is dedicated to the power of femininity. It was created for those who try to always be in the know about the latest events, who are independent, help others and at the same time love to look luxurious. This year, Amanda worked on her collection with the most influential and stylish girls in Dubai: stylist and entrepreneur Rosemin Manji (@roseminmanji), designer and founder of the brand Lady Fozaza Alanud Badr (@ Fozaza) and the emirate singer Leila Cardan (@laylakardan).
Amanda also released a collection of bracelets and accessories this season. “Throwing away python skin from bags is wasteful,” says Amanda. She is proud that her brand combines luxury with practicality and even economy, and also that “Made in Dubai” is written on her bags. According to Amanda, without Dubai, she would not have succeeded.
Amanda Navai is six years old today. Her bags and accessories can be found in Bloomingdale's Dubai, Harvey Nicols Dubai and Tryano Abu Dhabi stores, and prices range from 3500 to 8000 dirhams.
