NEW YORK — Skins are in — exotic animal ones, that is — and Indian-born, London-raised designer Malini Murjani is tapping into the trend.
The designer’s handbag and belt collection, launched for fall, incorporates gazelle, mink, python and treated metallic lambskin, among other materials, as well as semiprecious stones such as agate and turquoise.
“Fall is about a sophisticated bohemian feel,” said Murjani. “My inspiration for the collection is not only based on my travels, art and the people around me, but very much my state of mind. The introduction of different leathers and skins and stones is very much a reflection of this in terms of my desire.”
Murjani’s day bags include a white haircalf satchel with cordovan leather whipstitching that is topped off by a refined chain handle accented with large slices of turquoise and milky agate at the center, as well as a chocolate brown suede cross-the-body bag with exaggerated suede fringes, peridot green beading and a jeweled suede medallion at the closure.
This is not Murjani’s first foray into accessories design. In 2000, she started a company called Malini M. with a partner from whom she has since parted. The Malini Murjani line is at a higher price point than the previous line, ranging from $190 wholesale for an ethnic enamel, metal and leather belt to $780 wholesale for a gazelle bag with a metal top frame and chain handle. Sales are projected to be $1 million this year.
The line, which consists of 20 bags and seven belt styles, will be distributed in 16 doors worldwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Los Angeles boutiques Kitson and Caviar and Kind.
Murjani cites Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs as designer inspirations. However, it is her father, Mohan Murjani, the marketing guru who launched Gloria Vanderbilt jeans in the Seventies and Tommy Hilfiger in the Eighties, who gives her advice on the fashion business.
“My father has told me that you should always do what you love to do,” said Murjani. “The moment you stop loving it, change, as it’s not right for you.”