If ever there was an exceptionally unusual approach to bag-making, this is it. First, artists are asked to paint to their passion on canvas, then their handiwork is transferred on to leather. An innovative confluence of art meets craft in the truest sense; this is what makes the made-in- India bespoke bag brand, Paul Adams, a harbinger of artistic expression in everyday existence.
“We invested over three years in research and development before we launched our brand in 2017,” says Anshuman Singh, founder and CEO, Paul Adams. The snob value of each bespoke creation—spanning a rich palette of handbags, backpacks, totes, wallets and belts—lies in the fact that these are limited editions, all painted by hand. “Our aim has been to take the work of young, talented and unknown artists to the world,” he says.
“Unlike the tony international labels that have now introduced hand painting on leather, we bring in artworks on canvas, subsequently UV-treated and waterproofed (even sand-proofed in the collections launched in West Asia).” The treasured pieces, ranging from bestsellers in Orion—a retro camera case-inspired unisex bag —to Ellison, a busy commuter’s chic backpack, are popular with millennials who want more than just a prized logo on their purchase. Each of the bags carries a description of the art along with a profile of every artist, which is also available on the brand’s website.
Shilpi Madan for Sunday Standard