Egyptian art and history student Amina Diab has taken a surprising career turn and launched new accessories line Magnolia Handbags.
Diab developed a love of design while working in a textile store in 2008. She began to create purses for family and friends using any scraps of material she could find. She said she enjoyed the process from the start, and wanted to create her own collection since that time.
Magnolia Handbags are crafted using unique materials from exotic countries including Egypt, India, and Uzbekistan. Linens, silks, and crocheted fabrics are hand sewn together to create a head-turning finish.
While Diab uses materials from her homeland and surrounding nations, she looks to the west for creative inspiration. She says popular magazines like Elle and Vogue help her learn about the new season’s hottest colors and trends. These catwalk influences combine with Diab’s own sense of style to make Magnolia Handbags truly unique.
Magnolia Handbags is a small operation at this point, but it’s already attracting fashion lovers from around the globe. While it’s early days Diab already has big plans for the future. It shouldn’t be too long before we see pochettes joining the range. Diab also hopes to employ local artisans as the company expands.
