The buzzword on everyone’s lips these last few months has been “Aatmanirbhar” or the concept of being self-reliant. With the Indian economy wreaking havoc on small and medium enterprises in India, being “aatmanirbhar” is a sound policy to help our fellow countrymen get back on their feet.
Choosing Indian brands for economic reasons has plenty of merit as a concept, but there are also other reasons to choose local instead of global. Recently, I came across ‘Unica Pelle’, a brand that manufactures pure leather fashion accessories and sells them through their website and social media handles in India.
Founded by Kakali Basak, an entrepreneur who keenly felt the lack of quality fashion accessories made from pure leather in India; this brand has become one to reckon with since its inception last year. I was impressed with Unica Pelle’s large and aesthetic offering of leather accessories, which led me to believe that Indian-made leather fashion accessories are the best accompaniments for any outfit in the upcoming festive season. Here are five reasons why you should invest in them too:
1. THEY ALLOW YOU TO GO VOCAL FOR LOCAL
I have already touched on this point in the introduction to this article, but it is of utmost importance. Our nation’s economy has been struggling since well before the pandemic, but it has now hit an alltime low. It is our ethical responsibility to patronise home-grown businesses instead of large international conglomerates that often have no scruples about unethical business practices. By supporting Indian brands, we are doing our bit to help our country get back on track. Every little step counts.
2. THEIR VERSATILITY AND DURABILITY
Leather merchandise in general, and especially the line at Unica Pelle, has a feeling of complete modernity with a hint of vintage style reflected in the leather. Sophisticated pieces of leather accessories including handbags of varying styles, wallets, laptop covers, card cases, key rings and passport covers, are an expression of one’s individuality. In fact, genuine leather is a versatile choice of accessory as it complements Indian as well as Western silhouettes with equal panache. Further, the unique craftsmanship of leather accessories ensures that the products last for years and years, reducing the need for you to keep refreshing your wardrobe continuously.
3. THEIR POCKET-FRIENDLINESS
When the items are produced in India and sourced from local materials, their price is less than the exorbitant luxury goods sold by international fashion brands. It allows the average customer access to premium leather goods, at a fraction of the cost they might pay for any international designer label. Yet the pieces look as good as their counterparts from overseas and in many instances, they look even better.
4. THEIR EASY AVAILABILITY IN INDIA
Their easy availability online, in any part of India, is another important point in their favour. Customers can order these products without worry of inordinate delays in deliveries of the products, and without the need to shell out massive amounts of money in taxes and shipping duties. An online presence further ensures that customers may avoid visiting physical stores by browsing through entire collections from the comfort of their homes.
5. THEIR STATEMENT-WORTHINESS
Leather accessories always make a strong statement. The fact that they can be personalised with initials, makes them wonderful and memorable gifts for any special person or occasion in your life. Leather is the ideal way to make a strong personal statement with an effortless flair. You are sure to feel special carrying these beautifullydesigned and lovingly crafted pieces! Handbags and wallets are everyone’s preferred adornment, no matter the occasion or event. These accessories are essential to complete the outfit of an individual. If clothes are the main attraction, accessories are the detailed features that help you stand out at each event and occasion.
Unica Pelle is a great brand to explore the selection of Indian-made leather accessories, in their exclusive online leather boutique, offering an interesting mix of craftsmanship and structure with their bags, wallets, and other leather merchandise. This festive season, make a pledge to support home-grown accessory brands and watch heads turn as you walk into a room!
The writer is a lawyer who pens lifestyle articles on her successful blog www. nooranandchawla.com. She can be found on Instagram @nooranandchawla.