The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

bitebags A s a young child growing up in Iran, Yuzefi founder and designer Naza Yousefi would draw pictures of dresses using her imagination which was then crafted into garments by her mother. Now, based in London, her design process has an aesthetic sensibility refined by an abid- ing curiosity for the world around her along with an experimen- tal and thought-provoking approach. The designer also thrives on the unexpected and pushes the boundaries of inherited rules to create a new point of view. The silhouette of Yuzefi handbags can be described as bold and non-conformist with rich colours and a visual twist on the de- tails that draw you in for a closer look. The designer focuses on finding everyday newness in a familiar world which is defined by a fresh perspective that paves the way for lasting style. She aims to create fashionable accessories that will give her customers the same sense of bold originality she discovered as a child. Naza launched her accessories brand in 2016, eight years after she completed her post-graduate degree at Central Saint Mar- tins. She has worked in the studios of designers Christopher Kane and Richard Nicoll where she honed her ready-to-wear aesthetic. Her love for leather grew after she was commissioned by stylist Sarah Richardson to create bespoke leather harness- es for an i-D magazine editorial. Further commissions were re- ceived from photographers Hedi Slimane and Steven Klein, and stylist Patti Wilson. As a responsible fashion brand, Yuzefi takes sustainability seri- ously and work with one of Italy’s most reputable tanneries in northern Italy which qualifies for the Gold Leather Working Group standard. This means they have been given the highest sustainability ratings in all aspects of their leather production, from traceability to chemical use, from worker safety to waste. Yuzefi uses materials that are by-products which allow them to use higher-grade materials, including vegan suede, to line their bags. All their leather and materials are sourced in Italy. They are then transported by road, instead of by air to maintain their sustain- able practices, to a small industrial town in Andalucia, in the south of Spain to be manufactured into gorgeous and stylish Yuzefi bags. Using the expertise of these artisans allow the brand to contribute to the preservation of skills and crafts that go back many generations as well as give their customers high-quality ac- cessories at a fair price. Yuzefi handbags are very architectural with great originality. Loaf in Mink, Tan, Black, and Cream/Auburn is a modern take on the bowling bag crafted from smooth Nappa and features an Images courtesy of Warsaw Creatives