If you read my blog regularly, you’ll know I love great quality bags. I firmly believe that it’s so worth it to pay more for quality. This is something I really try make my readers understand.
Last week, I was lucky enough to attend the opening of a Neri Karra – a very high-end, international handbag label that’s just opened its first shop in South Africa. In addition, I got to interview the gracious and absolutely lovely Neri Karra herself.
Neri Karrra is a global leather goods brand, prized for it’s inspired design, passion for skilled handiwork and the use of the very best materials.
Neri Karra is in her late thirties (although she looks about 24) and when I was interviewing her, her passion, determination and drive really came through. Born in a small town in Bulgaria, Neri and her family were forced to leave when she was 11 years old, along with 360 000 other Bulgarinas of Turkish ethnicity. Neri says it was when she was standing in the refugee queue, waiting to get into Turkey, that she made the decision to work extremely hard to make a success of her life.
Education was and still is key to Neri. She went on to graduate from Miami University with an honors degree in Business management and Bachelors degree cum laude, and scooped three golden medals for academic excellence.
In 2000, Neri returned to Turkey and at only 22 years old, founded her handbag and accessory line, Neri Karra. It’s important to mention that Neri Karra only use leather that’s a by-product of the meat industry. This means that no animals are killed for their hide. Rather, Neri uses skins that are from animals slaughtered for their meat. Any exotic skins used (like ostrich) are sourced ethically.
Describe the woman you have in mind when you design a bag.
She’s confidant, not too trendy and likes great quality. She is a well-travelled woman, professional and has her own money.
What are your tips for keeping bags in their best condition?
Always store bags in their pouches or dust bags when they’re not in use. It’s also important to wipe your bag after each wear with a soft cloth to remove any dirt. Always protect your bag from the elements – bright sunlight can fade colours while rain can damage leather.
Why is it worth paying more for a great quality bag?
They last longer, sometimes a lifetime if looked after correctly. Also, a higher price tag is often an indication that the actual workers who make the bags are paid a decent wage that they’re able to actually live on. Whenever something is really cheap, you have to ask yourself, “Who’s getting abused so you can ultimately get a bargain?” – Often it’s a child, forced into labour and working in hideous conditions.
Which 3 styles of handbag should every woman own?
A clutch for evening, a tote for day, and a classic shoulder bag with a chain for everything in between.
How does one check to see if a bag is well made?
- The hardware (zips, studs etc) should be sturdy and coated in a metal that wont tarnish. I use a precious metal called Palladium, which is more expensive that gold to coat all my hardware.
- Pay attention to the stitching – it should be perfectly straight and durable. All Neri Karra bags are saddle stitched, using the highest quality thread from Germany called Ceraphil, which both Chanel and Louis Vuitton also use.
- A good quality handbag will be lined – we use the same fabric for lining our bags as Botegga Veneta.
What advice would give to businesswomen?
You have to keep saying ‘yes’ to yourself when everyone else is saying ‘no’. You need to have a vision of where you see yourself and you have to really believe in that vision. Do something that you love, it’s so important. Also, sharing and mentoring is so important. When you’re successful, you have to be grateful and share your knowledge.
Here’s a peek at some of Neri Karra’s beautiful bags
I found this video on Youtube that shows the quality craftmanship that goes into producing a Neri Karra bag:
If you’re in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, do swing by the Neri Karra shop and check out the amazing selection of bags and accessories – you won’t be disappointed. For more on Neri Karra follow their Facebook page here or check out their website at www.nerikarra.com
