“Nautanki by Carina” is an awesome new handbag label, established about a year ago by the super talented Carina Advani. In a span of a year, the label has not only garnered quite a celebrity following, but has also been covered several times in some of India’s leading newspapers and magazines, like Femina, Bombay Times, and Hindustan Times. She was also featured in Channel [V] India, and it’s such a cool video to watch (check it out, here!), especially for the curious souls who wonder what exactly goes on behind the scenes when you’re a designer. On a personal note, I love the vivid colors, the rich brocades and jacquard, as well the dramatic polki/stone embellishments on Nautanki clutches.
I had the pleasure of interacting with Carina this week, and she was sweet enough to share with us her journey as a designer so far. Here it goes:
I LOVE the name of your label. How did you come up with such a catchy name like Nautanki (drama)?
The label is an extension of me so I thought ‘NAUTANKI’ as a name was apt, since I’m a bit of a Nautanki (drama queen) myself. I wanted a name that was unique and not just another random word. I wanted the name to garner attention and curiosity about the brand and a name you wouldn’t easily forget. And somehow it just seemed right.
How and when did the idea of starting a handbag label come to you?
I studied fashion design at SNDT Mumbai as well as INIFD Mumbai (in affiliation with Instituto Di Moda Burgo, Milan, Italy). My majors, however, were in Apparel Design and Styling. The idea of starting an accessories label just happened, and I thought since I am an accessory-holic it was a perfect match.
What inspires you and your work?
Inspiration is all around us, we just have to find it. I have drawn inspiration from everything from my mother’s crockery to modern architecture.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I got two major offers in my one year in this field; one from an international design house who wanted me to design for their brand and the other from an international celebrity PR firm who thought I was a perfect candidate for their clientele that includes Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, and even Michele Obama. These are definitely the high points of my career so far.
What are your aspirations with regards to your label?
Nautanki hasn’t even completed one year in retail yet, so the brand is still very new. I want to retail out of more stores across India and maybe go international some day. And in the future I would love to expand the brand and do shoes as well.
Where can we currently get our hands on your beautiful collection? And can we expect an e-commerce site soon for the poor people who live outside of India? 😉
There isn’t an e-commerce website yet, but I am planning one. However, till then you can visit the stores I retail out of: Amara, Creo, Chamomile, Fuel, Re and Vyoum in Mumbai, as well as Brocade in Kolkata and Iris in Pune. You can also directly contact me via my Facebook Group. The range starts from Rs. 2600/- onwards (roughly, $60).
A few of my favorites from the Nautanki by Carina label
And now time for some fun stuff! Since we are currently super obsessed with Koffee with Karan, this is based on its “rapid fire” round. Answer as quickly as possible in one word, preferably.
You would love to see a Nautanki clutch in the hands of:
Megan Fox and Anne Hathaway
The bag/clutch you’re coveting right now is:
The most stylish celebrity in B-town right now is:
Twinkle Khanna and Dia Mirza by far!! Although I do think Sonam Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut are really great too.
When you’re not working, you are:
Shopping! Although I claim it’s work-related!
If you weren’t a designer you would be:
A photographer, perhaps!
Splurgerina, the blog, is:
Fun and very today!
Carina Advani, the person, is:
A total nautanki!! My family and friends would agree.
A Nautanki clutch is a must-have because:
What’s life without a little ‘Nautanki,’ eh?
That last part was pretty sassy, wasn’t it? I loved it!! 😛 And I have to say that I’m so excited about the e-commerce site and Nautanki shoes!! Drama for your feet, now who wouldn’t like that!??! 😉 Thank you so much Carina for taking the time off to do this…we ♥ you!! 😀
And as for all you lovely readers, if you would like to buy or see the rest of the Nautanki by Carina collection, or would generally like to get in touch with Carina, you can do so on her Facebook page. She’s super sweet and approachable; you will love her!!
Until next time then, stay stylish!
SK
Nautanki is a really catchy name and so is her work.. These bags look very trendy and classy… Above all I am highly impressed with the designer who has managed to get people like Michele Obama and Megan fox in less than a year, way to go carina….
I love it! Both the designer and the collection. I see only great things in her future!
i like the brand name. It is so creative and fun. The collection is very youthful. I like the bronze one on the top left and both of the green ones.Thanks for introducing me to this brand:)
Just what my girlfriend LOVES – clutches! I’ve been to Carina’s Facebook Page via this post, and her collection is truly unique (by the little taste that I’ve developed in ‘all-things-girlie’ in the past couple of years). I’d definitely want to gift one to my sweetheart, just to tell her that ‘yes, you are a nautanki’ and get away with it >:)
:P…you’re smart “Kutty” 😀
I so second this.I sent the link of her facebook site to my guy too. 😛
lol..that’s so cute Meher!! 😛
Love the name!! I really like the bright blue one..Will check out her facebook page!!
Like the name. Checking out her FB Page now 🙂 P.S. Could finally open the blog S. Don’t know what the matter was but I am glad it is solved by itself 🙂
The collection seems to be as much fun as the name! 🙂