Don't Just Accessorise, Make a Style Statement with a Designer Handmade Clutch (2021)

Don't Just Accessorise, Make a Style Statement with a Designer Handmade Clutch (2021)

Accessorising is an oft neglected but very important part of dressing up. Jewellery, shoes, belts and bags can transform even the simplest of ensembles. But when it comes to a special event or times when your outfits needs that something extra, reach for a bespoke clutch or potli. The bejewelled handmade wonders by Sonal Wadhwa caught our eye and BP Guide decided to have a tête-à-tête with the designer.

The Transformative Power of Accessories

Your outfit is but the first step towards looking stylish! While a good ensemble definitely has a big influence on how smart you look, it takes a lot of little things like the right accessories to make you stand out.

For many of us, accessories may seem like an addendum but they actually have the potential to transform your look altogether. Think about it - with the right jewellery or the right belt, you can easily ramp up your style quotient considerably.

Picking out the right accessories for your outfits and indeed creating a collection of good quality accessories is well worth your time and investment. Why? Because they are an easy way to showcase your personal style. Whether boho chic or classically traditional, you can use accessories to communicate your personality and your fashion sensibilities. Accessories also offer simple ways to create new looks with the same wardrobe, so you get more out of your clothes. In short, making thoughtful use of accessories is quite the shortcut to add pizzazz to your look.

The Ultimate Women's Accessory - Handbags!

Scarves, earrings/necklaces, handbags, belts and shoes are just some regular accessories that we consider while putting together an outfit.

Of these, handbags for women take a prominent place. Not only does this handy accessory hold essential items like wallets, keys, medicines and phone, it is also makes a statement about you. Handbags come in wide variety with options available for every use/occasion. While some handbags like tote bags are great for work, other like sling bags are preferred for casual wear.

Among handbags, the clutch has always taken the top spot as the go-to accessory for formal events and occasions. The typical image of clutches is that it is THE handbag to take to parties or weddings. Typically small with just about enough space to carry very essentials (phone, cards etc), the clutch however is high on the glam factor. So whether its a wedding or a glitzy cocktail party, a clutch remains the favoured accessory for women.

A Clutch Story: Handmade Clutches with Sensational Designs

Source A Clutch Story

Every woman walking into a big gathering wants to make sure she dazzles. Instead of carrying a clutch that's just an afterthought to your stylish ensemble, how about clutches that make a statement?

Well, A Clutch Story is a brand that is dedicated to creating such clutches. The brainchild of Sonal Wadhwa, an award winning Textile Designer from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), A Clutch Story offers a range of striking clutches and potlis, each featuring stunning designs and top class materials. The brand blends trendy designs with age-old handicraft techniques to create distinctive pieces that will make the clutch you carry a conversation starter.

A Clutch Story came about after the founder noticed a dearth of good quality, well-designed clutches in the market. The brand's collection today includes products featuring a wide range of patterns and styles: there are festive clutches with loads of bling, graceful party style options, casual with fashionable prints, and classy potlis. The brand even offers customers the option of bespoke bags which feature their name. Each piece is painstakingly handmade by talented karigars and artisans.

Get to know more about this interesting brand! BPG India spoke to Sonal Wadhwa to find out about her inspiration to start the brand and her journey so far.

Q & A: Discover the Journey of A Clutch Story

Founder, A Clutch Story
Sonal Wadhwa
Sonal Wadhwa is an award winning textile designer from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). After gaining considerable amount of experience in the fashion industry, she decided to venture out on her own. When she is not working, she uses her creativity in the kitchen, cooking and baking new recipes. She spends a lot of time snuggling with her pet dog and also loves to binge watch OTT shows.
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What led you to create A Clutch Story and how did you go about it?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

A Clutch Story was founded in June 2018. The idea germinated when I saw my mother carrying a local clutch to a party. I thought that people spend so much on their outfits, if they spend only 10% of that on their accessories, it would accentuate their look to a whole new level. That is when I decided to bring Indian artisans handwork in the hands of Indian women.
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What is your production process and how do you introduce new designs?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

It all starts from creating the patterns on paper which are then converted into beautiful artworks using intricate handwork techniques. New designs are introduced keeping the season and current trends into consideration.
Source A Clutch Story
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

There is an emphasis on handmade in your clutches. Please tell us about techniques and styles of Indian craftsmanship that you are partial to.
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

Yes, we are very proud to say that all our products are handmade. We take pride in our traditional Indian textiles and therefore each and every piece is crafted by hand by our skilled karigars. It is all in the details and though we try to incorporate different embroidery techniques; we are particularly fond of the regal zardosi work on our clutches and potlis.
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What inspires you and drives your creativity?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

I wanted to make use of my textile knowledge to create something niche and this has always been my driving force. Successful people especially women from different segments of the society have always inspired me.
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What are you trying to achieve with this brand?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

With our brand, we are trying to uplift the handicrafts industry in India. People need to understand the difference between machine made and 'handmade'. Handcrafted items include the aspect of craftsmanship and imply that a handmade item is typically of higher quality than one mass produced by a machine.
Source A Clutch Story
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

How do you ensure quality of the bags?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

Quality is of utmost importance to us. Right from sourcing premium quality raw materials to the production process where we make sure that an appropriate quality is achieved. Each piece then passes through finishing and quality check before it is packed and delivered to the customer.
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What distinguishes a Sonal Wadhwa design from other clutches and handmade potlis?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

Sonal Wadhwa products encompasses a little bit of me in every product. It's all about balance so our products are not only versatile but also have a functional utility. They are not only traditional in terms of handwork but are also blended with modern unconventional patterns.

Bestsellers from Sonal Wadhwa Collection: 3 Must Haves in Your Closet

White Resin Embellished Clutch

Make a splash wherever you go with this embellished clutch that looks uniquely like it is made of marble. Crafted using resin with a finish that mimics the cool gleam of marble, this clutch features stunning stone work on one side and plain on the other. A stand out feature is its lotus design knob in gold. The bag offers a sling handle and measures 8 x 5 inches. Available on aclutchstory.com for Rs.4,990

Silver Beaded Flap Clutch

Chic and sophisticated, this silver clutch with a flap cover features handcrafted subtle beadwork on both side that gives an understated glittery sheen. It features a pearl handle to give it that royal touch. The clutch is of size 7x5 inches and comes with a flap cover that's secured by magnetic locks. Check it out on the brand's website where it is priced at Rs. 3,990

Gold Cleopatra Clutch

Flaunting this stunning gold clutch is sure to turn heads. Intricate bead work adorns one side while the other side is plain. Hand Embroidered over silk, this bling in this clutch is tasteful and elegant. It measures 7x4 inches and includes a long sling chain. You can order it on the site for Rs. 3,250

Where Can You Find Them?

aclutchstory.com

Q&A (Contd.): Style Predictions and Future Plans

BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What fashion trends will dominate 2021?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

The year 2021 will see bright yellow and ultimate grey as the prominent colours of the year. A lot of focus will be on comfort without sacrificing elegance. There will also be a dominance of handmade and sustainable or recycled fashion.
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

Please can you give our readers some styling tips on how to make the most of their clutches.
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

A pearl clutch is a must in every 'bag wardrobe'. Carry it on a brunch date or carry it with your saree, it complements both eastern and western wear. A gold or a silver embellished potli can instantly uplift any Indian outfit. Similarly, a customised name clutch can grab all eyes when worn on just about anything!
BP Guide

Interviewer BP Guide

What’s next for your brand?
Sonal Wadhwa

Founder, A Clutch Story Sonal Wadhwa

We are currently working on the new collection called Embellished Grace. As the name suggests, we will be using a lot of new embellishment techniques at the same time keeping the patterns very crisp and elegant.