In the ever-evolving tapestry of the fashion and design world, where trends ebb and flow like the tides, one brand stands as a steadfast beacon of timeless elegance and craftsmanship — Nappa Dori. This is not merely a brand; it’s a journey through the intricacies of design, a celebration of culture, and a testament to the artistry that weaves together tradition and modernity. Nappa Dori’s story unfolds as a rich tapestry, interwoven with the vibrant threads of Indian sensibilities and global aspirations.
The quiet luxury brand which paints a vivid picture of nostalgia, mysticism, and romance, has come a long way from its humble beginning in Hauz Khas Village in Delhi. Today, the brand is present in Dubai, India, and London, and its helm is Creative Director, Gautam Sinha.
Sinha’s design philosophy is a harmonious blend of his Indian heritage and contemporary interpretations that resonate on a global scale. However, his journey is not just about building a brand; it’s about creating a legacy. Inspired by minimalism, detail-oriented craftsmanship, and a love for leather, Gautam Sinha’s creative process has propelled Nappa Dori into the limelight. His roots in fashion accessory design for renowned high-street brands paved the way for a love affair with leather—a love that birthed the brand.
The Café Dori Concept
Nappa Dori’s offers are not confined to a single category; from signature trunks and bags, to an expanding range of stationery and home décor, each product is a testament to the brand’s commitment to originality and uniqueness.
Traditional methods are revived, crafting distinctly designed objects de luxe that transcend the mundane.
The brand’s journey extends beyond physical products; it resonates in the ambiance of its flagship stores and cafes. London, Delhi, and Mumbai are not just locations; they are hubs where the brand’s creative sensibilities come to life. The Café Dori concept, an epicurean extension of Nappa Dori’s philosophy, is a culinary experience that mirrors the brand’s commitment to creativity and quality.
As we settle into a casual conversation with Gautam Sinha, the man behind the magic, we uncover the intricacies of Nappa Dori’s design and product development process. “Classic styles with a contemporary spin,” he muses. “The secret,” he reveals, “lies in the use of premium quality genuine leather, followed by our timeless neutral palette and minimal designs. Nostalgia and minimalism are our signature and at the heart of what we value. We believe in letting our craftsmanship and designs speak for themselves while also being mindful of the environment and promising our customers an experience and not just a product.”
In a world where trends flicker like fireflies, how does Nappa Dori balance current styles with timeless pieces?
According to Sinha, it’s a delicate art. “At Nappa Dori, we embrace elements of contemporary style, but in a way that doesn’t compromise the enduring quality of our products. While we definitely draw inspiration from trends, we interpret them through the unique lens of our favourite muse-the vintage classics. It’s this fusion that I think enables us to create pieces that are both current and timeless,” he says.
Sustainability
Sinha says that while creating new products, his sources of inspiration are quite diverse, but the key driver has always been practicality. “Having started with limited savings, I was always mindful of the need to create products that were commercially viable to sustain my business and my approach was centered around this need. Aside from this, other inspirations include travel, literature and art. The principles of European and Scandinavian minimalism specifically, have had a great influence on the brand’s aesthetic.”
The core of all products, however, inspired, is sustainability. For Nappa Dori, sustainability goes beyond a buzzword; it’s deeply embedded in its DNA.
Crafted with an eye on longevity, Sinha explains that sustainability is deeply rooted in everything the brand creates – products that stand the test of time, both in terms of design and durability. The idea is to encourage customers to invest in pieces that will last and therefore, consume mindfully.
Our focus, Sinha explains, is on small-batch production. “Production as per demand, in limited quantities, enables us to ensure that each piece gets the attention and detail it deserves and prevents wastage while at it. This results in timeless products that are not just of high-quality but also products which are mindful of the environment.”
He goes on to explain that the brand keeps a keen eye on emerging trends through the Internet. “As creators and entrepreneurs, I feel it’s important to keep ourselves informed and updated in all aspects of consumer behaviour, not only what they are wearing but also what their aspirations and values and goals are,” he says.
Aside from this, market research plays an integral role in shaping product lineups, although there is always some instinct involved in every creative process. “Without instinct, the outcome is usually predictable, leaving no room for something out of the box. It’s always important to keep the magic alive while keeping an eye on the numbers.”
Partnerships & Pricing
Nappa Dori has always been quite picky when it comes to collaborations as it’s important for the brand that the said collaboration mirrors its DNA and adds value to the coming together of synergies.
Since the brand is all about adding value to the consumer – in terms of something new for the wardrobe, something that is sustainable, and a product that is timeless – pricing is not just about the material, it’s about the value of design.
“I think perspective is extremely important when it comes to price evaluation and in our case, we are a design company first then a bag brand, therefore its design that holds precedence over everything,” Sinha emphasizes.
Technology & Innovation
Sinha, a believer in old-school techniques, acknowledges the value of adapting to new tech. He believes that there is a certain emotional connection to things being crafted by hand, which adds a unique touch and feel to the product. “It’s also essential to adapt to new tech and we have as a brand found many technologies very helpful. For instance, no.1 would be sustainable processes for leather manufacturing, 2 would be, more sustainable sources like cactus leather and apple leather, etc. These are innovations that have helped us explore and reinvent for the better,” he says.
As the conversation unfolds, Sinha candidly shares the top three challenges in terms of product development and market competition.
“Keeping our intellectual property secure in India is the most important is most challenging, especially when it comes to competitors copying design. I don’t think anything else comes close to this,” he explains.
Product Development
According to Sinha, the fact that you are creating something that will be used by someone for a long time to come and they will develop an emotional connection with it, is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. “It’s a true joy to see someone carry a creation you spend so much time and effort developing.”
A personal favorite of his from Nappa Dori’s collection history is Classic Trunks. “It’s my first creation for the brand that continues to be our signature product after all these years. It has a lot of memories attached to it and that’s what makes it so special. As a child I used to move houses and locations quite often and that involved having all our belongings packed in these huge metal trunks and that’s when my fascination for these luggage began!”
“Since then, I have always wanted to recreate them but this time with a lot more colour. I didn’t really think through how this product would be used, since they’re generally quite versatile and their use varies from person to person and household to household. And now it’s really just become a part of the Nappa Dori language,” he states.
As we wrap up this immersive journey through the world of Nappa Dori, we’re left with a profound appreciation for a brand that goes beyond fashion and design. It’s a narrative—a story woven with threads of tradition, modernity, and the unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Nappa Dori is not just a brand; it’s an experience, an exploration of individuality through handcrafted pieces that stand the testament of time.
