Emerging Designer Bhavna Yadav Bridging Tradition + Modernity in Handbag and Leather Goods Design
Meet Bhavna Yadav, a talented handbag and small leather goods designer whose unique vision is informed by her rich heritage and educational background. With a degree in fashion management from Parsons, Bhavna has cultivated a distinctive style that fuses contemporary design elements with the depth of traditional craftsmanship.
Her roots in India play a significant role in shaping her design philosophy, bringing cultural richness to each piece she creates. Bhavna’s work is characterized by an appreciation for detail, where every element—from the selection of materials to the intricacies of hardware—plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of the product.
In addition to her design work, Bhavna is also an accomplished illustrator. She finds inspiration in the beauty of nature, often embarking on hiking adventures that serve as creative fuel. For her, the outdoors is not just a source of ideas; it’s a space where her most innovative concepts come to life. Bhavna’s design ethos transcends mere visual appeal; she believes that true design is rooted in understanding the mechanics behind each creation. From perfecting the tiniest hardware details to transforming a rough sketch into a precise CAD rendering, she takes great pride in witnessing her ideas evolve into tangible, finished products.
Philosophy is another realm that has always captivated Bhavna, guiding her to approach her work from multiple angles. This analytical perspective is reflected in her creative process, allowing her to consider both the emotional and technical aspects of her designs.
In her journey as a designer, Bhavna invites questions that encompass both the art and science behind her craft, eager to share insights that illuminate the depth of her creative journey. Her commitment to blending modern design with cultural narratives makes her a distinctive voice in the fashion industry, one that resonates with those seeking meaning in their accessories:
Bhavna, your background in fashion management from Parsons provides a strong foundation for your work. How did your education shape your approach to design, and what specific skills did you acquire that you find most valuable in your current practice?
My time at Parsons gave me a deep understanding of the business and strategy behind design, not just the creative side. I learned how to think about a product beyond its surface, how it fits into a market, who it’s for, and how it can be both meaningful and functional. One of the most valuable skills I developed was learning how to translate a concept into a clear product strategy. From trend research to consumer behavior to supply chain understanding, these tools now sit quietly in the background of everything I design. It gave me a more holistic approach, where design, purpose, and practicality coexist.
Your roots in India and love for traditional craftsmanship significantly influence your designs. Can you discuss how these cultural elements manifest in your work, and are there particular traditions or artisans that inspire you?
Being from India, I’ve always been surrounded by vibrant crafts and deeply rooted traditions. I’m fascinated by the idea of giving heritage crafts a modern platform. One example is my recent work inspired by Usta Kala, a rare art form traditionally practiced on palace walls in Bikaner. I collaborated with artisans to reinterpret it on small leather goods and clutches, preserving its essence but making it wearable, tactile, and functional. There’s a sense of storytelling in Indian craft that I love-every motif, every technique has a past. I try to honor that by blending it into designs that feel timeless but relevant.
Nature plays a vital role in your creative process, especially during your hikes. Can you share how spending time in nature sparks your inspiration, and do you have any memorable hiking experiences that led to a specific design idea?
Nature helps me disconnect from noise and reconnect with ideas. Hiking is where I feel most present, there’s something about the rhythm of walking, the textures, the unexpected color palettes that clears my mind. One hike in particular, through a mossy trail after rain, inspired a deep green-and-sand color combination I used in a wallet collection. The softness of the moss next to rough bark textures translated into a mix of suede and pebble-grain leather. I find that nature doesn’t force harmony, it just exists in it. That’s something I try to bring into my work.
As an illustrator, how do you incorporate your artistic skills into your design process? Do you sketch your ideas by hand before moving to digital formats like CAD, and how do you find that this duality enriches your work?
Illustration is where I begin- it’s my most instinctive way to communicate ideas. I almost always start by sketching by hand. It feels more fluid, like I’m having a conversation with the piece. Once I feel confident in the concept, I translate it into CADs and refine the technical elements. I think this duality, hand-drawn and digital, keeps my work grounded in emotion while still being precise and production-ready. It also helps me communicate better with manufacturers because I can show them both the vision and the structure behind it.
You mentioned that design isn’t just about aesthetics but also about mechanics. Can you elaborate on how you approach the technical aspects of your handbags, such as the choice of materials or the intricacies of hardware details, and how they enhance the final product’s functionality?
For me, every bag is a small piece of functional architecture. I spend a lot of time perfecting the mechanics,the press-locks, hinges, closures, or molded parts—because even the tiniest element affects how the product feels in the user’s hand. I often sketch out hardware details separately and work closely with metal craftsmen or engineers to prototype them. Materials are another obsession,I look for textures that tell stories but also age beautifully. Functionality and beauty should go hand in hand, and when the mechanism clicks just right, it’s one of the most satisfying feelings.
Your interest in philosophy influences your perspective on design. In what ways does philosophical thinking inform your creative process, and how do you apply this mindset to evaluate your work from multiple angles?
Philosophy helps me slow down and ask deeper questions, about purpose, context, and intention. When I design, I’m not just thinking, “Is this beautiful?” but also, “Why does this need to exist?” or “How does this connect to the person who’ll carry it?” I try to view my work from multiple perspectives, practical, emotional, cultural-and that allows me to be more thoughtful with my decisions. I also embrace imperfection and process, because philosophy has taught me that everything evolves. That mindset keeps me open, curious, and constantly growing as a designer.
Nature serves as the foundation of my creativity, influencing everything from color palettes to textures and forms. Whether it’s the intricate patterns of a leaf, the fluidity of water, or the strength of a a mountain, these elements guide my design process and push me to create pieces that feel timeless and authentic. – Bhavna Yadav
