Expert Insights: Aishwarya Kochhar on Building a Career in Handbag Design

In today’s fashion-conscious world, everyone from children to the elderly wants to stay on trend. While clothing often catches the eye first, the realm of fashion design extends far beyond apparel to include handbags and jewelry. In fact, carrying a handbag that perfectly matches one’s outfit has become a major new trend, inspiring many young people to pursue careers as handbag designers.

As highlighted by Aishwarya Kochhar in a recent feature in the Mayur Samvad daily (June 23, 2026), this rapidly emerging field offers immense potential for both name and fame. If you are looking to turn your passion into a profession, here is what you need to know.

The Skills and Education You Need

To break into this attractive sector, candidates need specific qualities. Essential skills include creativity, a strong understanding of color combinations, fabric and leather knowledge, and sketching abilities.

You can build this technical foundation through formal education options such as:

• Diploma in Accessory Design
• Bachelor of Design
• Certificate in Fashion Designing

Dynamic Career Roles

Whether you want to work with large brands or build your own business, the handbag design space offers several diverse roles:

• Fashion and Accessory Designer: Design new, trendy bags for large fashion brands or export houses.
• Merchandise and Quality Controller: Test and verify the quality of the leather, fabric, and hardware used in bag manufacturing.
• Independent Entrepreneur: Establish your own brand by starting a small business or an online store featuring your custom designs.

A Booming Market with Growing Opportunities

The handbag and fashion market is expanding swiftly, driven by the rapid opening of boutiques, large designer stores, and outlets. Major business conglomerates like Ambani, Mittal, Birla, and Tata have stepped into this sector, signaling strong corporate backing.

Furthermore, the continuous growth of e-shopping platforms like Amazon and Flipkart has clearly widened the job prospects for fashion designers across the country.

After completing a fashion designing course, young professionals are well-positioned to jumpstart their careers based on their interests — whether that is in lifestyle accessories, footwear, or apparel manufacturing and design.

Adapted from an article featured in Mayur Samvad.