I
n an era of ubiquitous fashion, carrying a
nice stylish handbag has a lot to say about your
personality. You can’t escape it since it com-
plements your style to a great extent. But you
can definitely make it easy for yourself by taking
a look at what the renowned Indian-born Los
Angeles-based designer Deborah Sawaf’s luxu-
ry accessories brand Thale Blanc has to offer in-
variably and buying one at last. In a way, you
will feel enriched by her fabulous handbag col-
lections making the headlines globally.
Sawaf spent much of her time in couture and fine
jewelry before she embarked on accomplish-
ing a different kind of mission primarily to cre-
ate a luxury, timeless accessory collection that
would go a long way in adding a refreshing look
to this otherwise not-so happening segment.“I
was looking forward to design a collection that
was somewhat different to most designers espe-
cially when it came to seeking the market items
that would later be sanctified as pieces of art,
which is meticulously expressed in my evening
bags and elegant, sophisticated day bags in-
spired by Audrey Hepburn,” she said.
With the aim of learning the craft of it, she went on
to study at the Fashion Institute of Design & Mer-
chandising and then at the Gemological Institute
of America raising Sawaf’s inner desire to de-
sign her own collection of couture jewelry, Talia.
Since she had designed amazing works of art for
renowned fashion labels like Roberto Cavalli,
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Her inspiration and vision
Standing out from the rest
Deborah Sawaf, founder of Thale Blanc
Gianfranco Ferre and Valentino and thus constantly sur-
rounded by sheer glamour, Sawaf was in the right place at
the right time to launch her brand. Or let’s say she couldn’t
have gone down a different path.
Founded in 2010, Thale Blanc has garnered a lot of praise
from women across the board including celebrities such
as Jennifer Lopez, Kerry Washington, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid,
Rita Ora and many more. “I’m pleased to have them as my
clients. I would like to see Jennifer Lopez continue to wear
my brand,” she said.
In today’s world, celebrity endorsements certainly do have
tremendous influence on the brand success trajectory.
In the words of Sawaf, it’s one of the best and most effec-
tive strategies to gain recognition for your brand in a short
span of time. “It reaches a wider audience and hence builds
brand equity. That’s why every brand seeks to indulge in
it for better results,” she said.
The Audrey bags are always championed as a major sig-
nature of the brand. And subsequently there are other
factors too that undoubtedly play a pivotal role in making
Thale Blanc so popular. “The iconic details that are unique
to my brand are “the swan neck handle”, “the loop hard-
ware”, and “the scalloped flap”, while on some bags it’s
our distinctly fabulous webbed stitch giving them a vi-
brant and stylish punch,” she said.
Although Sawaf had been designing bags and other ac-
cessories for quite some time, it was only in 2013 that
she launched the luxury handbag collection by Thale
Blanc. It’s no wonder that most of the brand bags are
made of leather, snake and alligator skins whereas some
beach bags are made in polyurethane or canvas to offer
the vegan element in the collection. “All my materials
are sourced and made in Italy,” Sawaf said.
While her treasures of inspirational ideas are
mostly derived from architecture and
history, India (where she was born) has
always factored particularly its artisanship of
couture hand embroidery in her collections.
“I believe my fascination and keen eye for
color also stems from my heritage,” she said.
The iconic figure Audrey Hepburn has always
been Sawaf’s favorite muse for her
beautiful consistent, elegant style, and how
she used her celebrity image to help change
the world. Besides, she wants her brand to
be known for its craftsmanship, timeless and
elegant style, great quality, attention to detail
and customer service.
Her designed bags are popular among
women because they are unique and
different.
“They want something that will make a
statement and is also a great quality for a
good price,” she said. “After all, a beautiful
bag is a woman’s expression of style, mood
and self-confidence.”
According to Sawaf, the perfect woman who
can truly bring to life her spectacular bags is
someone with plenty of confidence. “She
should be a trendsetter and able to appreci-
ate good quality and great craftsmanship.
I would say she is the Cheetah in the room,
and heads turn when she walks in.”
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