Fashion in your bag!

Arpera, at Kumar Plaza, M G Road, brings to you the latest trends in handbags and accessories for women and men, writes Barnalee Handique

Are you looking for an attractive and exclusive handbag to go with your outfit? Well then, look no further. Arpera, one of the leading brands from Kolkata, has a wide range of bags and accessories in traditional and contemporary styles that will leave you spoilt for choice. It all began in 1994, when Sajal Grover set up his own bag manufacturing unit in Kolkata, in order to supply bags to the international brands. He also exported bags all over the world. The thought of setting up his own brand popped up, and that's how Arpera was born.
Grover, the proud owner reveals, “Arpera means a bag for the aristocrats. Pera means bag in Greek. We prefixed 'Ar' to it. That's how Arpera was coined.”
And since its inception, the brand has gained quite a reputation for its wide range of hand painted handbags, wallets and accessories in every size. The designs are exclusive. The range is characterised by bold forms, rhythmic lines and pure, undiluted colours - all this adds style and sophistication to the collection. We adore the simple cut designs and style. On display at the store is a collection of bags which are for regular and everyday use and are made from pure leather. But the most eye-catching range is the boutique bags. Each piece is specially designed and hand painted by artisans from Bengal. What's more! The store also has an impressive collection of wallets, purses, belts, card holders in a variety of colours and designs. Once you are at the store, check out the waterproof fluroscent coloured bags for the younger generation.
Each piece undergoes a special process before it reaches the store. Explains Grover, “Once we choose a particular piece of leather,we use vegetable dyes to tan and colour the leather. A design is selected and then given to the artisans. The designs are painstakingly hand painted by our team of artisans - it takes about two days.” The vegetable dyes used for Arpera bags are natural and eco-friendly and you can choose from a palette of colours like blues, greens, red, and oranges.
All this comes at surprisingly affordable prices. The bags range between Rs 800 and Rs 2500 for women, while wallets for men are priced between Rs 350 and Rs 700.
In a couple of years time, Grover plans to open stores across the country. Given his efforts to popularise the brand, it looks like Arpera is sure going to be a name to reckon with.