1. Tell us about the woman behind the Sandra J bags.
Sandra Jaffal, co-founder and creative mastermind behind Sandra J., is a former Central Saint Martins &Esmod fashion design / stylism student. She has also gained phenomenal experience with some of haute couture’s elite, interning for Elie Saab & Zuhair Murad.
Her interest in photography, travel and daily life, poetically enabled her to create the inspirational Sandra J pieces for the luxurious woman who seeks that something extra from a luxury handbag.
Something elegant, eye-catchingly chic with a hint of rebellion. This is exactly what Sandra J offers.
2. Do you have a favorite from your collection? What is it and why?
Yes I do, my plexi glass collection and the use of eagle claws on the handbags; these pieces are very unique and rare.
3. What has been your greatest achievement in your career to date?
Sandra J was created and founded in 2009 and was able to establish brand recognition in a short period of time. Sandra J is now available in luxury department stores such as:
- Dubai – Blooming Dale’s
- Dubai – ValleyDez
- Abu Dhabi – House of Fraser
- Qatar – Fifty One East (City center, Al maha, Lagoon)
- Saudi Arabia – Etre Luxury Store
4. If you were to design a bag specifically for one person, who would it be and why?
I would like to design a bag for Natalia Vadianova; a Russian model, entrepreneur and an occasional actress. Vodianova is the founder of the naked heart foundation, she is dedicated to helping every child living in urban Russia diagnosed with heart diseases and she also supports families raising children with disabilities. I would like to design a bag for her because I love her work; she inspires me a lot and has achieved so much in her life, especially when she founded her charity organization
5. How is a Sandra J bag made? What are the materials you use?
Handbags are handmade pieces.
Our lock is handmade and gold plated.
The leather is genuine.
We use exotic python skins and other materials such as plexi glass, gold plated metal and Swarovski crystals.
Accessories are all gold plated.
6. How does the Sandra J Prive collection differ from your main collection?
Sandra J Prive is our premium line and is made of exotic python skin mostly.
7. What are your inspirations in creating your designs?
My inspirations come from everything around me. Travelling, architecture, museums…
8. We noticed that some of your designs present vintage with a modern touch. How does the Middle East market perceive these designs?
People tend to choose the shapes that they already know. It is the vintage twist mixed with vibrant colors that make the bags very intriguing.
9. Which city would you want to open your first standalone store?
London
10. Which Sandra J bag/s is/are most popular in the Gulf?
Our best selling Handbag is the Jackie Handbag.
Source: www.facebook.com/SandraJbags
Indulge in Drama!